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US President Joe Biden announced that Israel has given its consent for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza from Egypt. This significant development comes with the stipulation that the aid will be subject to inspections and must be directed towards civilians rather than Hamas militants.
Biden delivered this message in Tel Aviv during his visit to express support for Israel, particularly in the wake of the devastating October 7 attack that resulted in the loss of around 1,400 lives. He also urged the nation to avoid succumbing to overwhelming anger.
Israel had suspended the flow of essential supplies, including food, fuel, and water, to Gaza after the aforementioned attack. Negotiators have been grappling with the challenge of delivering these vital resources to desperate civilians, aid organisations, and hospitals in Gaza.
In his statement, President Biden revealed that he had engaged in discussions with the Israeli cabinet and secured an agreement to facilitate the distribution of “life-saving humanitarian assistance to the civilians in Gaza.”
However, he emphasised that there would be consequences if Hamas were to divert or misappropriate this aid, as it would demonstrate their lack of concern for the well-being of the Palestinian people.
Additionally, President Biden pledged an extra $100 million in humanitarian aid to be provided to Gaza and the West Bank.