Officials from the United States and Israel have agreed to allow the continued flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza as efforts have reached the battered region.
American President Joe Biden is reportedly pressing his Middle Eastern ally to delay ground attacks on the occupied Palestinian territory as desperately needed humanitarian aid trucks trickle through the only crossing into Gaza.
Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
US officials are in a race to secure the release of dozens of hostages kidnapped by Hamas militant forces two weeks ago. The terrorist group began its assault on Israel on Oct. 7, killing more than 1,400 Israelis. Jerusalem responded with its attacks that have caused the death of more than 4,300 Palestinians.
Now, Israeli officials are preparing troops for a ground assault on Gaza, which could significantly complicate hostage negotiations. They are also discussing the delivery of aid to more than 2 million Palestinians trapped in the region, as per the Independent.
On Sunday, Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said they would allow humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza continuously. Aid convoys passed through the Rafah crossing on the Gaza-Egypt border this weekend. They carried food, water, medicine, and other critically needed supplies.
The two world leaders also discussed the recent release of two Israeli-American hostages and the ongoing efforts to secure the release of all the remaining hostages. They also talked about providing safe passage for U.S. citizens and other civilians in Gaza who want to leave.
Some believe that Israel's continued support for diplomatic efforts to convince Hamas to release hostages and allow aid to flow through Gaza's border could delay a potential ground war between the two factions.
Aid workers and officials have expressed fear that Israel's call to evacuate the northern part of Gaza is precipitating a humanitarian disaster. According to ABC News, the situation comes as electricity and other supplies have been cut off in preparation for the possible ground offensive.
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Israel-Hamas Conflict
Various humanitarian groups have also requested Israel to call off the evacuation and instead agree to a cease-fire. The call was made despite the Middle Eastern country asserting a right to defend itself, which the United States endorses.
However, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir slammed the announcement and said that any agreement of continuous aid to Gaza that does not include freeing all hostages is only a continuation of the concept that has led to the current situation.
In response to Gvir's remarks, the Israeli prime minister's office reiterated that the country will not provide any aid to Gaza and will prevent unmonitored shipments of goods from entering the Strip.
On top of Netanyahu's talks with Biden, he held phone calls on Sunday with French President Emmanuel Macron, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, and Dutch Premier Mark Rutte. The French and Dutch leaders are expected to travel to Israel on Tuesday, according to the Times of Israel.
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