The United States told its ally Israel that it must take steps to improve the aid situation within 30 days. If not, it could face potential restrictions on US military aid.
The Biden administration has remained silent on Israel’s response to the letter which its maintained was meant to be private communication between the Pentagon, State Department and Israel.
Between Oct. 1 and Oct. 16, the overall flow of shipments to Gaza - including both aid and commercial goods - fell to a daily average of 29 trucks, according to COGAT statistics.
The temporary pier proved it was not capable of doing most of the mission envisioned.
In a joint statement, the 12 former government officials said the administration was violating US laws through its support for Israel and finding loopholes to continue shipping weapons to its ally.
The “hastily constructed" maritime corridor was not equipped to withstand the roughness of the Mediterranean Sea, which worsens at this time of year.
Predicted famine in Gaza would likely be caused by hijacking of aid inside Gaza, and not lack of nutrition in Israeli aid, finds research.
A senior official told the Washington Post that the US was considering issuing sanctions against settlers blocking aid from reaching Gaza.
The UN World Food Programme will have a handful of staff stationed near the pier to coordinate distribution of the aid - using contractors - throughout Gaza, said a UN official said.
A Fatah TV anchor reported that Hamas had attacked aid workers, stolen food and water and caused food prices to skyrocket in the Gaza Strip.
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