The United States has asked Israel to explain its actions after a 'horrendous' airstrike on a residential block in northern Gaza that reportedly killed two dozen children.
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller expressed concern over Tuesday's deadly incident after an Israeli attack on a residential building in the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya.
So far, at least 93 Palestinians are estimated to have been killed or missing since the airstrikes, with dozens more injured, many of them children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
The exact death toll is still unclear, but Miller called the strike “a terrible event with a terrible outcome.”
He added that the United States had contacted Israeli officials to request more information about the attack and to clarify that dozens of children had reportedly lost their lives.
This follows the Biden administration's threat to withdraw military aid from Israel within 30 days unless the humanitarian situation improves.
Reiterating the need for a ceasefire in Israel's strategic interests, Miller said:
“It is extremely important that Israel be mindful of achieving a major strategic victory, and that (Israel) find a way to end the campaign to bring the hostages home, in a way that will ensure their security.” To be sure, and not just continue in an endless, perpetual conflict,” Miller said.
What about UNRWA?
Speaking at the US State Department's daily press briefing, Miller also expressed how the country was “deeply troubled” by Monday's passage of legislation that would limit the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA. Will ban.
The two new laws were passed overwhelmingly, and although the implications are unclear, they are likely to severely hamper the operations of the region's largest aid provider.
Miller added that the decision “poses threats to millions of Palestinians who rely on UNRWA for essential services.”
“We are going to have discussions with the government of Israel in the coming days about how they plan to implement this,” he added.
The European Commission has already asked Israel to rescind its decision, after the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the ruling could have “catastrophic consequences” for refugees in the region if the rules were passed. are
It is unclear how successful any attempt to appeal the decision or find a solution for UNRWA could be, since Israel controls access to both disputed areas that need aid.
A UNICEF spokesman said the loss of UNRWA “has the potential to collapse the humanitarian system in Gaza.”
Given the aid provided by the soon-to-be-banned organization, others operating in Gaza would “effectively fail to distribute life-saving supplies”.
Throughout the war, UNRWA has been at the forefront of international aid efforts, but Israel now accuses the aid agency of infiltrating Hamas, which has taken advantage of the aid and facilities to consolidate its security and power in Gaza. , the allegation was denied by the UN agency. .
The agency currently operates supply lines that deliver food, blankets and other essential aid through Israeli territories. It also regulates key infrastructure, such as schooling in Gaza.
Aid groups are already facing delays because all shipments must be inspected by the Israeli military, and as the conflict escalates, tensions between struggling civilians increase.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the country is “ready to work with our international partners to ensure that Israel continues to facilitate humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.” Let there be no threat to Israel's security.”
However, critics say these words have not yet been matched by Israel's actions.
Amy Pope, head of the International Organization for Migration, called the aid provided by the agency “absolutely essential” and stressed that a huge gap would remain in support for Palestinian citizens.
Additional sources • AP