A joint memorandum from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, delivered to Israel's senior cabinet members, outlined potential weapons transfer restrictions if Israel fails to ease humanitarian aid restrictions to Gaza within the designated timeframe.
The US administration's comprehensive demands include a significant expansion of the humanitarian zone in Muwasi, a substantial increase in daily aid deliveries to 350 trucks, renewed engagement with UNRWA, and facilitation of Red Cross access to Hamas detainees.
Responding to these pressures, the IDF has announced plans to expand humanitarian access zones in Muwasi, encompassing additional northern and eastern sectors. Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer is preparing a formal response indicating Israel's commitment to gradually scaling up aid truck volumes from the current 150-200 daily deliveries to meet the US target of 350 within weeks.
The most contentious point remains Israel's stance on UNRWA, following recent legislation barring official contact with the UN agency's personnel due to their complicity in Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attacks. However, senior Israeli sources suggest Washington might be willing to show flexibility on this issue if Israel demonstrates substantial progress on other humanitarian measures.
⭕️The IDF announces the expansion of the Humanitarian Area in Gaza, which now includes: field hospitals established since the start of the war, tent compounds, shelter supplies, and provisions of food, water, medicine, and medical equipment. This has been coordinated by… pic.twitter.com/HAjekml8u5
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 11, 2024
In discussions with Israel Hayom this morning, high-ranking defense officials emphasized that Red Cross access to captured Hamas Nukhba fighters remains unlikely while Israeli hostages in Gaza continue to be denied similar visits. Israeli leadership hopes their detailed response will provide sufficient diplomatic breathing room to avert the threatened weapons embargo.
