In a letter to President Joe Biden, 86 Democratic lawmakers expressed concerns about Israel’s alleged violations of U.S. law by restricting humanitarian aid to Gaza.
They cited doubts regarding Israel’s compliance with the U.S. Foreign Assistance Act, which mandates that recipients of U.S. arms uphold international humanitarian law and allow unhindered U.S. assistance.
The lawmakers highlighted Israel’s resistance to U.S. requests for increased access routes for aid to Gaza. Reports indicated insufficient food supplies, arbitrary aid restrictions, and impediments to aid delivery due to inspection procedures enforced by Israel.
They urged the Biden administration to ensure Israel’s compliance with existing laws and prevent further humanitarian crises in Gaza.
Biden’s memorandum requires Secretary of State Antony Blinken to report on the credibility of Israel’s assurances regarding the use of U.S. arms.
Several State Department bureaus expressed skepticism about Israel’s assurances. If deemed unreliable, Biden could take remedial actions, including suspending U.S. arms transfers to Israel.
Israel has denied violating international law or restricting aid in its conflict with Hamas militants in Gaza. The conflict arose when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in casualties and the seizure of hostages.
The prolonged fighting has led to significant Palestinian casualties and displacement, exacerbating food and water shortages.
According to the UN World Food Program, there is a full-blown famine in northern Gaza, and there are concerns about its spread. U.S. officials acknowledged Israel’s efforts to increase aid deliveries but deemed them insufficient.
The lawmakers condemned Hamas’s attack, affirmed Israel’s right to exist, and supported U.S. ceasefire and hostage release efforts.
Despite Israel’s recent opening of more aid routes into Gaza, the lawmakers remain concerned about the deliberate withholding of humanitarian aid.
They urged Biden to convey to Israel the risk of losing U.S. offensive security assistance if aid restrictions persist.
