US Warns Israel to Address Gaza Aid Restrictions
Facts
- The US reportedly warned Israel on Sunday that if it did not allow more aid into Gaza within 30 days it would risk the continued supply of US weapons. The UN said on Tuesday that Gaza is facing the 'worst restrictions' on humanitarian aid since the war began.[1][2][3]
- Media reports indicated that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin sent a letter to their Israeli counterparts calling for a change in Israeli policy. The US election will occur before the deadline for the US' warning is reached.[4]
- The UN human rights office said on Monday that Israeli forces had seemingly sealed off north Gaza by erecting barriers at a key crossing point, adding that the Israeli military 'opened fire, killing some Palestinians trying to evacuate.' Israel said it was investigating the incident and was working to provide medical support and food aid for civilians.[5]
- In May, US Pres. Joe Biden said that the US would halt some shipments of American weapons to Israel if it launched a major military operation into the Gaza border town of Rafah. The US paused one shipment of 2K-lb bombs a week before Biden's comments. After Israel pushed into Rafah, the US said the offensive was 'limited.'[6][7]
- Meanwhile, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on Tuesday that US officials had reassured him that Israel would limit its strikes on Beirut and its southern suburbs. Israel has not struck the Lebanese capital in several days. Mikati added that the US was 'serious about pressuring Israel to reach a ceasefire.'[8]
- In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said this week that Israel 'will continue to hit Hezbollah mercilessly in all parts of Lebanon — also in Beirut.'[9]
Sources: [1]teleSURenglish, [2]Timesofisrael (a), [3]Timesofisrael (b), [4]Associated Press, [5]New York Times, [6]CNN, [7]Al Jazeera, [8]Reuters and [9]Jerusalem Post.
Narratives
- Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by NBC. Though the situation in the region continues to escalate, the US has stood firm in its role as a mediator. Israel has every right to respond to the daily terror attacks it has seen since Oct. 7. However, it must also ensure that civilians are protected as best as possible. The US will continue to work toward regional stability.
- Pro-Israel narrative, as provided by The Fp. Yet again, the US is trying to prevent Israel from winning this war over domestic politics. Israel is facing Iranian-backed terror on seven fronts, but the Biden admin. continues to appease pro-Hamas radicals in the US by limiting Israel's options. Indeed, Israel does not only have a right to defend itself — it has a right to win.
- Pro-Palestine narrative, as provided by +972 Magazine. Israel's true goal in northern Gaza is to starve and exterminate the civilian population so that the region is never inhabited by Palestinians again. Israeli politicians and military officials have been quite clear about the country's genocidal goals, yet the media continues to ignore their horrifying ambitions. This is a campaign of mass extermination that has received the full backing of the US.
- Narrative D, as provided by Almayadeen. Hezbollah and Lebanon have experienced immense suffering for supporting Palestine against Israel's genocidal actions, yet the group will continue its noble fight. Hezbollah opened a support front with Israel to stand in solidarity with Gaza which has faced a genocidal Israeli campaign. Its attacks will end when Israel withdraws from Gaza. Nonetheless, Hezbollah is ready and able to defend Lebanon from Israeli aggression.