US Threatens to Halt Arms Supplies to Israel Over Gaza Aid Blockade

Washington: In a significant turn of events, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have issued a stern warning to Israel. They stated that if Israel continues to block American humanitarian aid to Gaza, the US will stop arms supplies to Israel as stipulated under the National Security Memorandum and the Foreign Assistance Act. According to Maan News Agency, the warning was delivered through an official American document. This development follows recent Israeli policies that have prevented the entry of food supplies into the northern Gaza Strip, under a plan allegedly not being implemented known as the "Generals' Plan," devised by retired Israeli General Giora Eiland. The US National Security Memorandum, issued last March, imposes several conditions for the continuation of US weapon supplies to Israel. One key stipulation is that Israel must not hinder, whether directly or indirectly, the distribution of U.S. humanitarian aid in Gaza, nor interfere with international efforts spearheaded by the US to deliver such aid. The US administration has now demanded that Israel take concrete actions within the next 30 days to lift the blockade. Failure to comply with these demands will lead to a cessation of military aid from the US, a move requiring approval from both Blinken and Austin. This decision underscores a growing tension between the US and Israel concerning the treatment of humanitarian issues in Gaza.