Israel announced on Monday that it has complied with most U.S. demands to improve humanitarian access and aid in Gaza, though a few issues remain under negotiation as the deadline for further action approaches. An Israeli official reported that while many conditions had been met, some discussions are ongoing, primarily over safety concerns. Among the U.S. requests Israel appears to have declined is the entry of 50 to 100 commercial trucks daily, citing Hamas control over merchants as the reason for restricting commercial activity. Additionally, the prohibition on closed containers will remain in place due to security risks. However, Israel has implemented measures like the opening of a fifth crossing into Gaza.
The U.S. had communicated to Israel in an October 13 letter that actions to improve the humanitarian situation were necessary within 30 days, with the deadline falling on Tuesday. The State Department acknowledged some recent Israeli efforts to increase aid access to Gaza but noted that the humanitarian conditions had yet to see a substantial improvement. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, following talks with the U.S. ambassador, expressed confidence that an understanding would soon be reached.
Last week, global food security experts warned of imminent famine risks in northern Gaza—a claim Israel rejected. The Israeli official stated that measures to support aid delivery have been expanded, including additional entrances into Gaza, a broadened humanitarian zone, heightened security for aid convoys, and coordinated efforts with international partners. Israel’s military operation in northern Gaza, which began last month, remains under close scrutiny, with the U.S. envoy to the UN emphasizing that Washington is monitoring to ensure there is no policy of starvation in Gaza’s northern areas.