US, Europe Threaten Arms Embargo, Sanctions as Israel Is Accused of Blocking Humanitarian Aid

US issues one-month ultimatum, while European nations are split over sanctions on Israel as humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza intensifies, violence escalates in Lebanon, and settler attacks on Palestinians increase

The Biden Administration has issued a strong warning to Israel, urging the government to take immediate steps to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza or risk losing its military aid from the US. In a letter sent on Sunday to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed their deep concerns about the deteriorating conditions in Gaza, noting that the situation violates US laws governing foreign military assistance. The letter outlines a series of demands to reverse this trajectory within 30 days, or Israel could face serious consequences, including cuts to its military aid.

The letter, which marks a significant escalation in US pressure on Israel, noted that the amount of aid entering Gaza has sharply declined in recent months. The situation reached a critical point in September, which recorded the lowest level of aid deliveries in over a year. Blinken and Austin detailed a list of requirements, including allowing at least 350 trucks of aid to enter Gaza daily through four major crossings and implementing humanitarian pauses to enable the distribution of aid and vaccinations over the next four months.

In addition to reopening a fifth crossing, Israel is expected to enhance the movement of people in the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone and provide better security for humanitarian convoys. The letter further calls for the establishment of a direct communication channel between the US and Israeli governments to address incidents of civilian harm, with a meeting scheduled by the end of the month.

The warning from the US comes at a time of heightened Israeli military operations in northern Gaza, leading to further displacement of Palestinian civilians. The United Nations has expressed alarm, warning that Israeli military actions are exacerbating food insecurity for Palestinian families.

Despite the serious nature of the US demands, the Biden Administration has continued to supply military assistance to Israel, including the deployment of the advanced THAAD missile defense system.

French President Emmanuel Macron has added to the growing international pressure by calling for an arms embargo on Israel. Macron’s appeal reflects a wider international concern about Israel’s military actions in Gaza and its impact on Palestinian civilians.

In response to the worsening situation in Gaza, the UK has also taken action. The British government announced new sanctions targeting organizations involved in the construction of Israeli settler outposts in the West Bank. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the Israeli government for not doing enough to stop settler violence and expansion on Palestinian land. “The Israeli government must crack down on settler violence and stop settler expansion on Palestinian land,” Lammy said. “As long as violent extremists remain unaccountable, the UK and the international community will continue to act.”

As long as violent extremists remain unaccountable, the UK and the international community will continue to act

The sanctions, which are the third package introduced by the UK this year, focus on seven settler outposts and organizations accused of supporting or inciting violence against Palestinians.

There is also increasing pressure to sanction Israeli officials. Former UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron revealed that he had been preparing to impose sanctions on Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir before leaving office. Both ministers, known for their far-right positions, have been accused of encouraging violence against Palestinians and obstructing humanitarian aid convoys. Cameron urged the current UK government to continue exerting pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating, “When ministers in your government behave in this way, we are prepared to use our sanctions regime to say this is not good enough and has to stop.”

When ministers in your government behave in this way, we are prepared to use our sanctions regime to say this is not good enough and has to stop

Amid growing international calls for de-escalation, Italian opposition leader Giuseppe Conte, of the 5-Star Movement, has called for Italy and the European Union to impose an arms embargo on Israel. Conte’s demand comes in response to escalating violence, including Israeli strikes on UN bases in Lebanon. On social media platform X, Conte condemned Israeli actions, stating, “When will people open their eyes and decide to stop the war crimes of the Netanyahu government?” Conte also pointed to the high death toll in Gaza and Lebanon, arguing that international measures, including sanctions, should go beyond mere words.

Conte’s statements underscore the intensifying conflict in Gaza. Israeli military operations have also expanded into Lebanon, where airstrikes have reportedly killed almost 1,500 people and injured nearly 4,300 since late September. Tensions have risen significantly, with Israel launching a ground incursion into southern Lebanon in early October after a year of Hezbollah rocket and drone attacks on northern Israel and Israeli reprisals against the Iran-backed armed group. Despite warnings from international leaders that the Middle East is on the verge of a regional war, Israel’s operations continue to expand.

In Europe, the European Union is divided on how to respond to the escalating violence. Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign affairs chief, stated that member states are strongly split over calls to halt arms sales to Israel. The conflict in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces have clashed with Hezbollah fighters, has also strained relations between Israel and UN peacekeeping forces. Five UN peacekeepers were injured in recent Israeli strikes, leading Borrell to condemn the attacks as a “grave violation of international law.” He called on Israel to immediately cease its actions against UN forces.

Several European nations, including Ireland and Spain, have pushed for a review of the human rights clauses in the EU’s trade agreement with Israel, citing its military actions in Gaza. Ireland’s foreign minister, Micheál Martin, accused Israel of undermining the UN and said the EU’s response should be stronger. However, Austria, Hungary, and several Eastern European countries remain staunch supporters of Israel, complicating the EU’s efforts to present a unified stance.

As international pressure on Israel continues to grow, the next few weeks will be critical for determining the future of Israel’s military aid and its standing on the global stage.

Meanwhile, Canada and the US have also taken joint action against the pro-Palestinian group Samidoun, designating it as a terrorist entity. The group, which describes itself as a solidarity network for Palestinian prisoners, has been accused of acting as a front for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, which both countries consider a terrorist organization. Canada’s Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc said the designation sends a clear message that both nations will take strong measures against terrorist financing.