Washington: The United States has requested an explanation from Israel regarding a recent airstrike in northern Gaza that reportedly killed over 20 children, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller on Tuesday. The strike, described as “horrifying,” has prompted the Biden administration to voice increasing concerns over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. The incident is among several signals of alarm as Israel approaches a U.S.-imposed 30-day deadline to address humanitarian needs in Gaza or risk impacts on U.S. security aid.

Miller expressed urgency regarding the incident, stating that many children affected had been displaced by the ongoing conflict for over a year. According to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, 93 Palestinians were killed and many more injured in the strike on a residential building in Beit Lahiya, with at least 20 children among the deceased, as reported by medics. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged the reports and stated it is reviewing the incident, though it cautioned against relying on the unverified death tolls provided by Hamas.

Northern Gaza has been under evacuation advisories as the IDF conducts operations in areas like Jabalia and Beit Hanoun, seeking to neutralize Hamas activity. Many Palestinians face obstacles in leaving the area, citing both concerns over potential IDF fire and threats from Hamas to prevent evacuation. Humanitarian conditions have reached critical levels, with roughly 100,000 people reportedly stranded in northern Gaza without adequate food or medical aid, as per the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service.
Humanitarian groups have expressed concern that Israel might be attempting a broader siege strategy in northern Gaza, although Prime Minister Netanyahu has denied such intentions during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Meanwhile, international aid deliveries have resumed after a temporary halt, with hundreds of trucks now reaching Gaza over the past two weeks.

Miller emphasized the need for Israel to continue its military operations in a way that mitigates civilian suffering while ensuring security. He clarified that the U.S. does not endorse a hasty withdrawal from Gaza that would risk a power vacuum and allow Hamas to regain control. Instead, the Biden administration advocates for the Palestinian Authority to eventually assume governance, with support from several Arab states.

Simultaneously, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield condemned reports of inadequate food aid reaching Gaza, asserting that the U.S. opposes any moves that might deprive Palestinians in northern Gaza of essential resources. She underscored the need for Israel to act on its commitments to deliver humanitarian aid, particularly as winter approaches.

Further complicating matters, Israel recently enacted legislation limiting UNRWA's role in Gaza and the West Bank, which has led to U.S. concerns over compliance with aid laws. Though Israel has aimed to transition aid coordination to other international organizations, the U.S. has emphasized that UNRWA remains irreplaceable at this time, urging continued cooperation despite the restrictions.