In early 2024, USAID staff reported that northern Gaza had become an “apocalyptic wasteland” with severe shortages of food and medical aid following the October 2023 Hamas attacks and Israel’s military response.

The internal cable detailed abandoned bodies, human remains on roads, and critical humanitarian needs.

The report, based on UN fact-finding missions, was blocked from wider circulation by US Ambassador to Jerusalem Jack Lew and deputy Stephanie Hallett, who argued it lacked balance.

Senior Biden administration officials did not receive the full briefing.

Other cables documenting deteriorating health, food, and sanitation conditions in Gaza were similarly withheld.

Critics say sidelining USAID’s on-ground expertise limited first-hand understanding of the humanitarian crisis.

The blocked February 2024 cable described worsening conditions that would have highlighted urgent famine and medical needs in northern Gaza.

While some reports on food insecurity were shared and included in presidential briefings, many of USAID’s more graphic accounts were suppressed.

Access to Gaza remained restricted during intense fighting, leaving US officials reliant on third-party information from UN agencies and aid organizations.

Some senior officials questioned the accuracy of USAID reports compared to Israel’s accounts, contributing to skepticism about wider dissemination.

The decision to block the cable has drawn attention amid ongoing criticism of US support for Israel and concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.