The United States has urged Israel to increase humanitarian aid to civilians in northern Gaza, warning of potential consequences under US law if action is not taken. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered this message during a series of meetings with Israeli leaders in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, and senior military officials. The discussions aimed to revive diplomacy following Israel's killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza. The US official emphasized that, despite some progress, "much more needs to be done" to address the humanitarian crisis.

Aid groups have warned of starvation and disease risks among civilians in northern Gaza due to Israel's military siege. While Israel asserts that its military actions target Hamas fighters, the US has cautioned against forcibly displacing residents to southern Gaza, where 1.7 million civilians face overcrowding and serious health risks.

Blinken's warning follows a letter co-signed with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, giving Israel 30 days to increase aid to northern Gaza or risk cuts to military assistance. The Israeli government has claimed that its policy does not involve mass forced displacement or "surrender-or-starve" tactics. However, the US official emphasized the need for public clarification on these matters. Netanyahu's office omitted any mention of humanitarian assistance in its post-meeting statement, instead focusing on the "Iranian threat" and US-Israel unity. The US official also disputed the accuracy of Israel's account regarding Blinken's response to an alleged Iranian assassination attempt against Netanyahu.

As tensions escalate, the US is seeking to de-escalate the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Blinken discussed this effort, but no updates were provided. With Israel poised to retaliate against Iran, the US fears further regional escalation. The meetings highlighted US concerns about civilian casualties and humanitarian access. Blinken's warnings reflect growing criticism of US policy, with many arguing that Washington's reluctance to leverage its military aid to Israel has failed to mitigate civilian deaths in Gaza.

The Biden administration's push for increased humanitarian aid comes amid rising pressure to address the crisis. As diplomatic efforts continue, the situation in Gaza remains precarious, with civilians caught in the crossfire. For more information on this developing story and the ongoing conflict in the region, it is advisable to search online for the latest updates and analyses from reputable news sources.