Israel’s military announced on Monday the expansion of a humanitarian zone it established in southern Gaza, coinciding with the nearing expiration of a deadline set by the Biden administration for increased aid delivery to the region.
The Israeli military indicated that the newly expanded zone would now encompass field hospitals, tent compounds, shelter supplies, and provisions of food, water, medicine, and medical equipment. However, the military did not clarify whether any new resources had been added to those already available. A map was provided showing the addition of nine areas to the zone.
Aid agencies have reported a critical need for supplies to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, particularly in the northern region where Israeli military operations against Hamas have intensified.
This announcement from the Israeli military comes as the 30-day deadline set by the Biden administration on October 13 approaches its end. The administration has warned that failure to enhance aid to Gaza’s 2.2 million residents by this deadline could have implications for U.S. policy, including military assistance to Israel.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated on Sunday that the United States would assess Israel’s progress on facilitating aid into Gaza this week, with President Biden expected to make decisions based on the findings.
It remains uncertain whether the recent expansion of the humanitarian zone, known as Al-Mawasi, will lead to improved conditions. This area, which was sparsely populated prior to the conflict, has become overcrowded with displaced families and has suffered from frequent Israeli strikes, resulting in inadequate medical services. The Israeli military maintains that its strikes target Hamas militants while attempting to minimize civilian casualties.
Additionally, Israel has issued evacuation orders affecting parts of the humanitarian zone, further reducing the already cramped area by over 20%.
Despite Israel's orders for Palestinians in other regions of Gaza to relocate to the humanitarian zone, aid groups have protested that the area lacks sufficient shelter, water, food, sanitation, and healthcare.
The Biden administration’s deadline coincides with warnings from a United Nations-backed panel stating that famine is imminent in northern Gaza and that urgent action is required “within days, not weeks” to address the humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
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