In order to head off possible US sanctions and an arms embargo, the Israeli government approved the entry of 50 Jordanian trucks containing food, fuel, and other supplies into northern Gaza today (Wednesday).
In a briefing he gave yesterday, 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.
For its part, Hamas said that "the 30 day extension given to Israel by the United States to increase aid to the northern Strip is a transparent attempt to wash their hands drenched with the blood of Palestinians."
