TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that Israel has agreed to allow humanitarian assistance to enter Gaza from Egypt. The aid will be subject to inspections and is intended for civilians, not Hamas militants. Biden made the statement during his visit to Tel Aviv, where he showed support for Israel following a deadly attack on October 7 that killed approximately 1,400 people. Israel had cut off the flow of food, fuel, and water to the Gaza Strip following the attack, causing a humanitarian crisis. Mediators have been working to resolve the deadlock on providing supplies to desperate civilians, aid groups, and hospitals.
In his remarks, Biden cautioned against allowing all-consuming rage to consume the nation. He also warned that if Hamas diverts or steals the assistance, it would demonstrate their disregard for the welfare of the Palestinian people. Additionally, Biden announced that an additional $100 million in humanitarian assistance would be delivered to Gaza and the West Bank.
Biden’s visit to Israel coincides with rising humanitarian concerns in Gaza. Israel has claimed that the deadly explosion at a Gaza Strip hospital, which prompted protests in Arab nations, was not carried out by the Israeli military. Biden supported this assessment, stating that it appeared to be the work of “the other team.” However, he acknowledged that there were doubts about the cause of the blast, which led to protests throughout the Middle East.
The President’s visit aimed to show solidarity with Israel and address the growing humanitarian crisis for Palestinian civilians. He emphasized that Hamas does not represent all Palestinians and called for finding ways to help innocent Palestinians caught in the conflict.
During the visit, Biden also met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Israeli first responders, and the families of victims and hostages held by Hamas. He listened to their harrowing experiences and expressed solidarity. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Biden for his support and declared that Israel stands united in its resolve to defeat Hamas.
In response to the ongoing conflict, the US announced sanctions against ten Hamas members and the Palestinian militant organization’s financial network across Gaza, Sudan, Turkey, Algeria, and Qatar.
Biden’s visit comes amid concerns that the possibility of improved relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors has diminished due to the Israel-Hamas war. Israel is preparing for a potential ground invasion of Gaza in response to Hamas attacks. Reports indicate that roughly 2,800 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza, with another 1,200 individuals believed to be buried under the rubble.
Protests have erupted throughout the region, and the cancellation of a planned summit in Jordan reflects the growing outrage over the hospital explosion. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi withdrew in protest. Ayman Safadi, Jordan’s foreign minister, described the situation as pushing the region to the brink. The war has led to a humanitarian crisis, displacement of Palestinians, and fears of potential conflicts along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, where Hezbollah operates.
Biden’s visit aims to showcase personal diplomacy and test U.S. influence in the Middle East during a volatile time. The trip follows his visit to Ukraine earlier this year to show solidarity with the country amid a Russian invasion.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken played a pivotal role in brokering an aid agreement and securing Israel’s approval to develop a plan for aid distribution in Gaza. While modest on the surface, this accomplishment is seen as significant progress in addressing the humanitarian crisis.