Israel’s response to the Biden administration’s 30-day ultimatum to boost humanitarian aid to Gaza has so far been lackluster, according to an Associated analysis of U.N. and Israel data Press.

As the critical midterm deadline approaches in mid-November following the US elections, President Joe Biden faces a pivotal moment in resolving the humanitarian crisis while balancing support for a key ally.

In a letter dated October 13, the Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin called for substantial improvements to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, specifically demanding that Israel allow a minimum of 350 trucks per day to deliver essential supplies.

Yet by the end of October, only 71 trucks on average were entering Gaza, well short of the target.

Blinken stressed that while some progress has been made, it remains insufficient.

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“It is vital that what they bring can be distributed effectively inside Gaza,” he said, stressing the importance not only of the quantity of aid, but also of its accessibility to those who need it.

The letter marked one of the administration’s strongest stances amid a year filled with calls for Israel to provide greater protection for Palestinians. civilians during his ongoing conflict with Hamas.

The political stakes are high; support for Israel remains a controversial issue among Republican voters and some Democrats.

The humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza has been exacerbated by a sustained Israeli military campaign that has hampered the delivery of aid since mid-October.

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Reports suggest the region is on the brink of famine, and international observers are sounding the alarm that a humanitarian disaster is imminent.

Adding to these concerns, Israeli lawmakers recently vote to effectively dismantle the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), a move criticized by governments and humanitarian organizations around the world as a major blow to efforts to help.

Despite US warnings, skepticism remains about Israel’s willingness to step up humanitarian aid.

Before the escalation of the conflict, an average of 500 trucks delivered aid to Gaza daily, a figure that humanitarian organizations consider essential for the region’s 2.3 million residents, many of whom have been repeatedly displaced .

Since the start of hostilities, Israel has fallen far short of that average, with daily aid figures peaking at 225 trucks in April before falling dramatically.

Following the Biden administration’s letter, the number of aid trucks entering Gaza fell to just 13 per day in early October.

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Although this number increased to 71 by the end of the month, it remains insufficient to meet the urgent needs of the population.

Once supplies arrive in Gaza, distribution remains a significant hurdle due to various obstacles, including slow processing by Israeli authorities and restrictions on shipments.

COGAT, the Israeli military body responsible for overseeing humanitarian aid, reported a sharp decline in aid deliveries, with October’s total falling to just 26,399 tonnes from 87,446 tonnes in September.

Requests from the Biden administration to establish a high-level communications channel to address concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza remain unheeded, even as Israel continues its military operations.

As the largest provider of military aid to Israel – contributing nearly $18 billion to the ongoing war – the United States finds itself in a difficult position.

The administration previously suspended the shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel due to concerns about civilian safety and conducted studies indicating that Israel’s military actions could violate international humanitarian law.

As the situation in Gaza deteriorates, the Biden administration’s approach in the coming weeks will be crucial not only to humanitarian efforts but also for its broader geopolitical position.

This article contains additional reporting from the Associated Press.