Israel gives green light for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza via Egypt
The office of the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, stated that the decision was taken in response to a request from the President of the United States, Joe Biden, during his visit to the country this Wednesday.
Trucks from a humanitarian aid convoy parked in front of the Rafah border gate, Egypt - Photo Reproduction/Reuters
The Israeli government confirmed the authorization for the entry of humanitarian assistance aimed at civilians in Gaza across the border with Egypt, as previously announced by Biden during his visit to Tel Aviv this Wednesday morning (18). This aid will consist of limited amounts of food, water and medicine.
The official statement from Israel makes no mention of sending fuel, which is an essential resource to power the generators that provide energy in Gaza, including in hospitals. The start date for deliveries has not yet been clarified. The border crossing between Egypt and Gaza, in Rafah, has limited capacity and has suffered considerable damage due to recent bombings.
"In light of President (Joseph) Biden's demand, Israel will not impede humanitarian supplies from Egypt as long as it is only food, water and medicine for the civilian population in the southern Gaza Strip."
Furthermore, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has stated that it will not allow humanitarian aid to enter its own territory until the hostages held by Hamas are released. This announcement represents a significant step forward in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, which enters its eleventh day this Wednesday.
In a statement, the Human Rights Watch (HRW), a non-governmental organization that advocates and conducts research on human rights, appealed to the Israeli government, requesting authorization to supply electricity and fuel to the power station and local generators. The organization stated that the imposition of deliberations on the population as a whole constitutes an act considered a war crime.
"Israel's bombing and illegal total blockade of Gaza means that countless injured and sick children, among many other civilians, will die from lack of medical care, said Bill Van Esveld, associate director for children's rights at HRW."
Egyptian government
Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi and his US counterpart Joe Biden, agreed during a phone call to ensure "the sustainable delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing." A statement issued by Sisi's office said US and Egyptian authorities plan to cooperate with international humanitarian organizations, under the supervision of the UN, in order to ensure the effective distribution of necessary aid.
American government
Biden said he had a frank conversation with Israel's leaders about the need to support the delivery of assistance to Palestinians in Gaza during your meeting with them this morning. During an Air Force One refueling stop at Ramstein air base in Germany, President Biden has already spoken to journalists, highlighting that Israel is facing serious difficulties. However, he stressed that there is an opportunity to help people who are homeless and in need. That's what they should consider doing.
“If they don’t,” he said, “they will be held accountable in ways that may be unfair.”
A Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The Gaza Strip has been plagued by recurring conflicts, blockades, lack of electricity and limited access to clean water, creating a long-scale humanitarian crisis. Israel's decision to allow humanitarian aid to enter through Egypt is seen as a positive step towards alleviating some of the suffering of people in Gaza. Through this opening, food, medicine and other critical supplies will be able to more easily reach the local population.
