USA (Washington Insider Magazine)— Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the United States has expressed its approval of Israel’s recent efforts to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza on Friday. The Secretary emphasized the importance of tangible results in the success of these efforts, specifically in improving the conditions on the ground for those affected by the conflict in Gaza.
In a significant development, Israel has announced measures to enhance humanitarian assistance in Gaza. These include permitting temporary aid deliveries through the Ashdod port in southern Israel and the Erez crossing, which provides direct access to the northern part of the Strip. Additionally, Israel intends to augment the flow of aid from Jordan, entering through the Kerem Shalom crossing in the south.
Response to Tense Diplomatic Exchange
According to Eldiario, the decision follows a tense exchange between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Joe Biden. In response, Israel’s security cabinet agreed to temporarily open the Ashdod Port for humanitarian shipments and to reopen the Erez Crossing, which has been closed since sustaining significant damage during past conflicts.
Calls for Investigation and Continuous Aid Flow
Secretary Blinken underscored the importance of conducting a thorough independent investigation into the death of the World Central Kitchen team, which was providing essential aid under challenging circumstances. He reiterated the necessity for continuous entry of humanitarian aid trucks through border crossings, ensuring distribution throughout Gaza, including the northern region.
Urgent Pleas for Famine Prevention
Furthermore, Blinken urged Israel to take decisive measures to alleviate the risk of famine affecting nearly the entire population of Gaza, emphasizing Israel’s responsibility to prioritize civilian protection.
Warning of Policy Shift
President Biden conveyed to Prime Minister Netanyahu the urgency of implementing effective measures to safeguard the population and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid. He made it clear that failure to do so could lead to a shift in U.S. policy towards Israel, a key ally.
Internal Dissent and Criticism
The National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, expressed his dissatisfaction with the measures taken regarding the ongoing tensions in Gaza. He criticized Netanyahu for the lack of ministerial consultation and disputed a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office. Despite these challenges, Israel’s decision to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza is a significant development. Both the United States and Israel recognize the pressing need to address the humanitarian crisis in the region.
