Experts: Recent US attitudes toward Israel, a turning point

2024-04-06 18:28:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Washington signaled a change in attitude toward Israel after the deadly attack on aid workers in the Gaza Strip. Israel reacted swiftly to President Biden's administration's warning on Thursday of losing unconditional US support if it does not take measures to protect Palestinian civilians and aid workers.

The killing by Israeli airstrikes of seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen organization on Monday caused strong international reactions.

In response to the incident, President Joe Biden held a 30-minute phone conversation Thursday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, holding him accountable for the attacks, increasing humanitarian aid and protecting civilians.

Hours later, Israel announced steps to allow more aid into the Gaza Strip, including through the Israeli port of Ashdod and increasing the amount of aid from Jordan through a land crossing.

Israel has apologized for the attacks and fired two officers, saying they had violated standard military procedures.

Speaking to reporters in Belgium, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken commented on Israel's response.

"It is very important that Israel takes full responsibility for this incident. It is also important that Israel is taking steps to hold accountable those involved in this attack. It is much more important that steps are taken that a such a thing should not be repeated", said Secretary Blinken.

About 200 aid workers have been killed in the war in the Gaza Strip so far, and some analysts told VOA that the attack on the cars of the World Central Kitchen organization was an event that mobilized the international community to react against the killing of civilians.

"The attack increased the focus on this concern that has existed for a while regarding the protection of civilians, as well as warnings of facing starvation of the population inside Gaza. It also follows Israel's proposals for a military offensive in Rafah, where most Gazans have now moved," says Brian Katulis of the Middle East Institute.

There has been an increase in calls for President Biden's administration to be tougher on Israel over the high number of civilians killed in the Gaza Strip.

"I think the message has finally been sent with clarity, precision and urgency. Whether and what measures Netanyahu and the Israeli government will take remains to be seen, because these first steps are merely immediate reactions, not the full review of policies, procedures and accountability that is needed," says Linda Robinson of the Council for Foreign Relations.

Protesters disrupted the Israeli parliament earlier this week. The protest highlights growing pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure the release of the hostages. More than 100 Israelis are still being held by Hamas militants, which the United States has designated a terrorist organization.

The war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, when Hamas militants entered southern Israel and killed around 1,200 people. Israel has responded with a six-month offensive, killing more than 33,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Strip Health Ministry, and drawing international criticism for its actions in the war.