Q: Why has the US been reticent to demand a ceasefire in Gaza?
A: US corporations supply an enormous amount of arms to Israel, which means massive profits for weapons manufacturers when the weapons they produce are used and need to be replaced (in November of last year, the US pledged 14.3 billion in military aid to Israel; one estimate has Israel on track to burn through at least 50 billion in military expenditures before the end of this year). Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, RTX, Boeing, and General Dynamics all hear a tiny *chi-ching* with every incinerated Gazan child.
Q: Why is the US only now deciding to provide substantial emergency aid to Gaza?
A: There first needs to be a massive humanitarian crisis (and justification in the form of a sufficient level of domestic public outcry) in order for the corporations that produce and supply the physical aid products (e.g. food, medical supplies, personnel, transport mechanisms) to glean the maximum profit. But it is also important to act while there are still people left to “save.” Judging by the recent announcement that the US plans to air drop emergency aid, the situation has finally entered the corporate-profit sweet-spot range.
Also, in case you need reminding, the US is a corporate oligarchy.