America’s Stance on Providing Humanitarian Aid to Gaza Amidst Israel’s Fierce Bombardment

In the wake of the relentless bombing in Gaza by Israel, the issue of providing humanitarian aid to the beleaguered city remains a contentious topic. The stance of the United States on this matter continues to be unclear, with a complex interplay of diplomatic decisions and political considerations.

The Biden Administration’s Support for Aid to Gaza

On one hand, President Joe Biden recently announced that he supports the opening of the Rafah Gate to allow the entry of 20 trucks carrying humanitarian supplies to Gaza. This move was coordinated with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. It is a significant step towards alleviating the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

During his discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Biden expressed his concern over the situation. He stated, “From what I’ve seen, it appears that this work has not been done by you, but rather by another team.” The President has underscored the urgency of delivering aid promptly and effectively to Gaza. The United States intends to ensure that approximately 150 or more trucks reach the affected areas. If they cross the border, the United Nations will be responsible for distributing the aid, a process that may take some time.

The Use of Veto in the UN Security Council

However, the situation takes a different turn on the diplomatic front. The United States, exercising its veto power, opposed a proposal in the United Nations that called for humanitarian aid to reach the Palestinians in Gaza amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict. In the Security Council, 12 member states voted in favor of the proposal, while the United States voted against it, with Russia and Britain absent from the vote.

To pass such a proposal in the Security Council, it is required that a minimum of nine votes be in favor and that none of the five permanent members issue a veto. This proposal was initially put forward by Brazil but was rejected by the Council due to the United States’ veto.

Russian Amendments and the Fate of the Proposal

The United States’ use of its veto led to the dismissal of the proposal. Russia had sought amendments to the proposal, specifically calling for a condemnation of the attacks on hospitals and schools in Gaza, in addition to an appeal for an end to hostilities. These amendments were rejected by the Security Council, further complicating the situation.

America’s Position on Hamas

President Biden’s stance comes with a clear condition – that if Hamas seizes the aid, the United States will not send any further humanitarian assistance. This signifies the administration’s determination to ensure that the aid reaches the civilians in need and doesn’t end up in the hands of militant groups.

A Joint Effort for Humanitarian Aid

It’s worth noting that President Biden engaged in a conversation with his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, during his return from Israel. Both leaders expressed their commitment to collaborating on providing humanitarian aid through the United Nations’ appeal.

In summary, the United States’ approach to providing humanitarian aid to Gaza remains multifaceted. While President Biden supports the delivery of aid to alleviate the crisis, the use of the veto in the Security Council adds complexity to the situation. The stance on Hamas is unwavering: any interference with the distribution of aid will result in its cessation. It is a critical issue that continues to evolve amidst the ongoing conflict.