US pushes Israel for answers following ‘horrifying’ Gaza airstrike

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller raised concerns about a deadly incident on Tuesday following an Israeli attack on a residential building in the town of Beit Lahiya in Northern Gaza. 

It is so far estimated that at least 93 Palestinians are killed or missing following the airstrike, with the Gaza health ministry reporting that dozens more, many of whom were children, are said to be wounded.

The exact death toll is still unclear, but Miller branded the strike a “horrifying incident with a horrifying result.”

He went on to say that the US had made contact with Israeli officials to request further information on the assault, demanding an explanation as to how dozens of children have reportedly lost their lives.

This follows an earlier threat by the Biden administration to withdraw military support from Israel within 30 days unless the humanitarian condition improves.

Reiterating the need for a ceasefire in the strategic interests of Israel, Miller said:

“It is critically important … that Israel be mindful of achieving a larger strategic success, and that (Israel) be mindful of finding a way to end this campaign in a way that brings the hostages home, in a way that ensures their security, and not just continuing in an endless, perpetual conflict,” Miller said.

What will happen to UNRWA?

Speaking at the US Department of State’s daily press briefing, Miller also expressed how the country was “deeply troubled” at Monday’s passing of legislation that would place a ban on the operations of United Nations Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA. 

The two new laws passed with an overwhelming majority, and although the implications are unclear, they will likely severely hinder the operations of the largest aid provider in the region. 

Miller went on to say that the decision “poses risks for millions of Palestinians who rely on UNRWA for essential services.”

“We are going to engage with the government of Israel in the days ahead about how they plan to implement it,” he added. 

The European Commission has already asked Israel to repeal its decision, after the bloc’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the decision could have “disastrous consequences” for refugees in the territory if the laws were passed.

It is unclear how successful any efforts to appeal the decision or find workarounds for UNRWA might be as Israel controls access to both disputed areas requiring aid. 

A spokesperson for UNICEF said the loss of UNRWA “would likely see the collapse of the humanitarian system in Gaza.” 

Given the support supplied by the soon-to-be banned organisation, others operating in Gaza “would become effectively unable to distribute lifesaving supplies,”.

ADVERTISEMENT

Throughout the war, UNRWA has been at the forefront of international aid efforts, but Israel now accuses the relief agency of having been infiltrated by Hamas, who have exploited aid and facilities to strengthen their protections and power in Gaza, an allegation the UN agency denied.

The agency currently operates supply lines that transport food, blankets, and other essential aid via Israeli territories. It also organises key infrastructure, such as schooling in Gaza. 

Aid groups already encounter delays as all shipments must be inspected by the Israeli military and as tensions escalate among struggling citizens as the conflict worsens. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the country is “ready to work with our international partners to ensure Israel continues to facilitate humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza in a way that does not threaten Israel’s security.”

ADVERTISEMENT

However, critics have argued these words have yet to match Israel’s actions.

Head of the International Organisation for Migration Amy Pope described the aid supplied by the agency as “absolutely essential” emphasising that there would be an immense gap left behind in support for Palestinian civilians.

Additional sources • AP