The Biden administration announced on Thursday that Israel had agreed to open a new crossing and port for aid to enter Gaza in response to a serious humanitarian crisis. This decision came after President Biden had a tense phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which he expressed his outrage over an attack that killed 7 World Central Kitchen volunteers in Gaza. Biden warned Netanyahu that the US would reconsider its support for Israel if concrete steps were not taken to protect civilians and humanitarian workers in Gaza.
In a statement from the National Security Council, it was revealed that Israel had agreed to open the Erez crossing to allow aid into northern Gaza and to open the port of Ashdod for direct aid to the enclave. There was no official confirmation from the Israeli government, but Israeli media reported that the war cabinet had approved these measures in response to pressure from the US and humanitarian agencies.
The opening of the Erez crossing is crucial, as most aid allowed into Gaza has come through the Kerem Shalom and Rafah crossings in the south. However, delivering aid to northern Gaza has been difficult due to road damage, Israeli restrictions, and ongoing conflicts between Hamas fighters and Israeli troops.
The White House emphasized that these measures were a result of Biden’s conversation with Netanyahu and hoped that they would be implemented quickly. They also expressed willingness to work with Israel, Jordan, Egypt, the United Nations, and humanitarian organizations to ensure that aid reaches those most in need in Gaza in the coming days and weeks.
