State Dept: We won't "speak to" consequences of not increasing aid in Gaza, hope Israel does

In a briefing he gave today (Tuesday), State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said that the reported letter threatening a possible arms embargo if Israel does not increase humanitarian aid into Gaza was originally meant to be a private communication.

He also said that concerns about the level of humanitarian aid allowed into Gaza for Palestinian civilians has been a long standing concern of the administration, referring back to a letter sent on April touching on the same subject.

Miller refused to comment on what sanctions, if any, the US would use if Israel did not meet the conditions laid out in the letter, only stating he hoped Israel would increase humanitarian assistance and obviate the need for them.