The State Department spokesman, Vedant Patel, has refuted claims that the Israeli government is restricting aid to Gaza, despite reports of dehydration, starvation, and videos showing humanitarian convoys being targeted in Israel. Patel emphasized during a briefing that it was unfair to accuse Israel of prohibiting aid into Gaza, stating that there was no evidence of such restrictions.
While acknowledging the need for more aid to reach Gaza, Patel maintained that there was no deliberate obstruction of aid by Israel. He pointed out that under international humanitarian law, the flow of aid was not being restricted, although he admitted that more aid could have been allowed in sooner.
Videos from the Kerem Shalom crossing have shown aid convoys being delayed at the Israeli border while rightwing extremist groups attempt to disrupt the delivery of humanitarian supplies. The State Department’s stance on the issue has come under scrutiny, especially after a presidential directive led to an aid report being issued.
Critics, including Democratic lawmakers like Chris Van Hollen, have raised concerns about the situation in Gaza and questioned whether the US is holding Israel accountable for its actions. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has denied accusations of a double standard, stating that the US treats Israel like any other country in assessing compliance with international humanitarian law.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in a significant loss of life, with over 35,000 people estimated to have died since the start of Israel’s military assault. The deadliest attack in Israel’s history occurred in October last year, leaving more than 1,100 people dead.