- Blinken issues warning to Israel over Gaza aid
- Antony Blinken has warned Israelis of potential legal consequences if they don’t increase aid to civilians
- It comes after Blinken told Israel they had 30 days to increase aid or have some military assistance cut off
US top diplomat Blinken issues warning to Israel over Gaza aid
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has told Israeli leaders to increase the flow of humanitarian aid to civilians in northern Gaza, warning of potential legal consequences if action isn’t taken. Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top officials in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as part of a regional tour aimed at reviving diplomacy.
Despite criticism that the US hasn’t done enough to stop civilian casualties in Gaza, Washington denies failing to act.
Blinken also addressed concerns over Israel’s military tactics, urging clarity on reports of forced displacement in northern Gaza. Israel says its operations target a Hamas resurgence.
Blinken’s apparent warning on humanitarian aid followed his letter last week, co-signed by US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, which gave the Israeli government 30 days to surge aid into the northern Gaza Strip or risk having some military assistance cut off.