US threatens arms sales over Gaza ban on UN agency

US envoy to UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield warns Benjamin Netanyahu to address the ‘catastrophic ­humanitarian crisis’ in Gaza.

A man peeks out of an opening in the gate of an UNRWA aid distribution centre in the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. Picture: AFP

The US has reiterated its threat to withhold arms from Israel and warned Benjamin Netanyahu there is “no alternative” to a UN aid agency the Knesset has voted to outlaw in Gaza.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador to the UN, acknowledged the involvement in the October 7 terrorist attacks of “some” UN Relief and Works Agency staff – which Israel points to as proof of its claim that the aid agency provides cover for Hamas.

But speaking of having witnessed starvation 30 years ago, she warned the Israeli leader to address the “catastrophic ­humanitarian crisis” in Gaza.

Two weeks ago, amid reports that Mr Netanyahu was considering a siege of northern Gaza, withdrawing food and water from Palestinians trapped there, the US demanded that Israel increase the flow of aid within 30 days or risk restrictions on arms sales. On Tuesday night a spokesman for the State Department said the US had not seen enough progress on aid deliveries.

Fears are growing in the US that Israel has decided to adopt the “generals’ plan”, a recommendation by a group of retired military figures to starve Hamas into submission in northern Gaza.

“The United States rejects any Israeli efforts to starve Palestinians in Jabalia, or anywhere else,” Ms Thomas-Greenfield told a meeting of the UN security council. “Israel’s words must be matched by action on the ground. Right now, that is not happening. This must change immediately.”

She described an experience of seeing a starving girl 30 years ago. “It’s the kind of memory that one doesn’t forget,” she said. “Her rib bones poking out from under her skin, bloated belly, gaunt eyes. And I remember her mother’s eyes filled with despair.

“And I think about her as we’ve seen reports that no food assistance has reached Jabalia or Beit Lahiya since early October.”

The IDF has denied adopting the generals’ plan and Israel insists it has increased the flow of aid into northern Gaza, where 100,000 people remain trapped, according to the Palestinian authorities. But a report released on Tuesday by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification found that Gaza was on the verge of famine. “People in Gaza are starving to death right now. The speed at which this man-made hunger and malnutrition crisis has ripped through Gaza is terrifying,” said Cindy McCain, the World Food Program executive director. “There is a very small window left to prevent an outright famine, and to do that we need immediate and full access to the north. If we wait until famine has been declared, it’s too late. Thousands more will be dead.”

On Monday, Israeli parliamentarians voted by 92-10 to ban UNRWA within 90 days. They also voted to designate UNRWA a terrorist organisation.

In August, UNRWA fired nine of its 30,000 employees who “may” have been involved in the October 7 terrorist attacks. Israel alleges that more than 450 UNRWA staff were members of “terrorist organisations”, without providing evidence.

THE TIMES