International humanitarian organizations have raised alarm over Israel’s failure to meet a series of demands set by the United States aimed at alleviating the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In a letter dated October 13, the U.S. government gave Israel a 30-day deadline to take significant steps to improve aid access and conditions in Gaza, with the potential threat of military aid restrictions if the criteria were not met. However, as the deadline passed, a report from eight major aid groups, including Oxfam, Save the Children, and the Norwegian Refugee Council, stated that Israel had not only failed to meet these demands but had taken actions that further deteriorated the situation on the ground.
The report highlighted that Israeli military operations, particularly in northern Gaza, have intensified over the past month. These actions, which Israel claims are aimed at neutralizing Hamas fighters and preventing them from regrouping, have led to increased displacement, the encirclement of hospitals, and destruction of shelters. The escalation of violence, combined with the ongoing lack of access to vital supplies, has left thousands of people without basic necessities such as food, water, and medical care.
One of the most pressing concerns is the restriction on humanitarian aid. According to Louise Wateridge, Senior Emergency Officer for UNRWA in Gaza, aid trucks entering Gaza fell significantly in October, and no food shipments were allowed into northern Gaza for an entire month. “The people here need everything. They need more. It’s not enough,” Wateridge stated during a Geneva press briefing. The situation is dire, with global food security experts warning of imminent famine in parts of northern Gaza unless urgent measures are taken to ease the crisis.
Israel, on the other hand, has insisted that it has made progress in meeting the U.S. demands. An Israeli official stated that most of the conditions had been met, though discussions are still ongoing regarding some safety measures. Israel’s military has also reported sending hundreds of food and water packages into northern Gaza as part of a coordinated relief effort. However, despite these claims, the U.S. State Department has expressed concerns, noting that while some steps have been taken to improve aid access, the overall humanitarian situation has not significantly improved.
For many aid organizations, the delay in delivering sufficient support and the ongoing conflict have already resulted in the unnecessary deaths of thousands. UNRWA officials argue that the U.S. deadline came too late, with the damage already done. “Anything that happens now is already too late. Thousands and thousands of people have been killed senselessly,” Wateridge said. The humanitarian community continues to call for immediate action, emphasizing the need for unrestricted access to Gaza and the delivery of essential aid before the situation worsens further.
