EMPTY U.S. ULTIMATUMS

AND THE GAZA CRISIS

The Biden administration issued a 30-day ultimatum to Israel on October 13, 2024, demanding a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza or risk potential restrictions on U.S. weapons support. The deadline passed with minimal compliance from Israel, yet U.S. officials have since reiterated their commitment to continued military aid. This response signals that the conditions set forth may not lead to substantive changes in U.S. support, even if Israel fails to meet them.

During a State Department briefing on November 12, spokesperson Vedant Patel addressed the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where aid organizations have issued severe warnings about the rising risks of disease outbreaks, famine, and widespread violence. Patel noted the dire situation but avoided signaling policy shifts, stating, "I certainly don't have a change in U.S. policy to announce today." This position has drawn criticism, particularly given that the original 16 conditions outlined by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin were intended to incentivize immediate humanitarian action. However, with little compliance from Israel, the population in Gaza continues to face deteriorating living conditions, including critical shortages of food, water, medical supplies, and electricity.

Reports from humanitarian groups have painted an increasingly grim picture. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of the collapse of Gaza's healthcare system, with hospitals overwhelmed by casualties and unable to secure essential supplies due to restricted access to aid. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has described the situation as "catastrophic," reporting that over 80% of Gaza's population relies on aid, which has been severely curtailed since the start of the conflict.

The administration's apparent hesitation in enforcing consequences has sparked criticism, as the Biden administration's apparent reluctance to implement its ultimatum is a sign of political inconsistency. While the administration has publicly emphasized the importance of mitigating civilian suffering, the absence of any tangible consequences for Israel's noncompliance has led some to argue that the "ultimatum" was more symbolic than actionable. Advocacy groups and members of Congress have called for stronger measures, including the potential reevaluation of U.S. military assistance, to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need.

Full text of US letter to Israel: Let aid into Gaza or face consequences (Al Majalla, 10-16-24)

Department Press Briefing – November 12, 2024 (U.S. Department of State, 11-12-24)

Despite 30-day Gaza aid ultimatum, US says support for Israel will proceed (Al Jazeera, 11-12-24)

Israel fails to meet US deadline to increase Gaza aid, rights groups say (Al Jazeera, 11-12-24)

Aid Deliveries to Gaza Remain Low Despite U.S. Warning to Israel (The New York times, 11-13-24)

Israel ignores Biden ‘ultimatum’ over Gaza aid, but U.S. will continue sending weapons regardless (Mondoweiss, 11-13-24)