Today, November 12, marks the expiration of a key deadline set by the United States for Israel to take more significant actions to alleviate the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

This deadline follows an urgent letter sent on October 13, co-signed by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, which called on the Israeli government to improve conditions for civilians in Gaza or risk facing potential reductions in U.S. military assistance.

The letter, issued amid ongoing violence and rising international concern over the devastating toll on Gaza’s population, underscored the need for Israel to take tangible steps to allow greater access to humanitarian aid and protect civilian lives.

While the U.S. reiterated its unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, the message from Washington was clear: U.S. support would not come without significant attention to the humanitarian fallout of the conflict.

The United States has long been Israel’s largest ally, providing billions of dollars annually in military aid, but the intensifying humanitarian crisis has put pressure on the U.S. to reconsider its approach.

As Gaza faces severe shortages of food, water, medical supplies, and basic necessities, the international community has increasingly criticized the Israeli military’s conduct in the region, with growing calls for a ceasefire or a halt to hostilities in order to allow for a more robust humanitarian response.

As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the coming days may bring a shift in U.S. policy or increased diplomatic efforts aimed at alleviating the suffering of civilians caught in the conflict. With the deadline passing, attention will turn to how the U.S. chooses to respond to the ongoing crisis, and whether international pressure will force a change in Israel’s strategy.

Al Jazeera.