US Evaluates Israel's Humanitarian Aid Progress

The Biden administration acknowledges Israel's limited progress in enhancing humanitarian aid to Gaza. Despite earlier threats, arms transfers to Israel will not be restricted. The U.S. State Department emphasized the need for sustained improvements, following discussions between U.S. and Israeli officials on the matter.

The Biden administration has recognized Israel's efforts to improve the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza, despite describing the progress as 'limited.' The administration has decided against imposing restrictions on arms transfers to Israel, a measure it had considered a month ago if the aid situation did not show signs of enhancement.

Vedant Patel, spokesperson for the State Department, indicated that while progress has been made, it must continue and expand over time. He stated that the U.S. has not found Israel in breach of any American laws, which mandate that aid recipients must comply with international humanitarian law and must not obstruct the flow of humanitarian aid.

This decision was announced soon after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Ron Dermer, the Israeli Prime Minister's national security adviser, in Washington. Their discussions reviewed the initiatives Israel has undertaken since Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a caution last month regarding potential consequences if the aid scenario did not improve within 30 days.

(With inputs from agencies.)