(VOVWORLD) - The White House said Thursday that President Joe Biden reached a consensus with leaders of Egypt and Israel on opening the Egypt-Gaza Rafah crossing to deliveries of desperately needed food, water, and medical supplies to people in the Gaza Strip. The news came after Biden ended his 8-hour visit to Israel on Wednesday.
 A Palestinian youth carrying bread walks past buildings destroyed in recent Israel’s strikes in Gaza city on October 16, 2023. (Photo: EPA/EFE) |
According to US officials, the first 20 trucks carrying humanitarian aid entered Gaza early Thursday. The US said it will keep close watch on the situation and will ensure security for 150 aid trucks entering Gaza on Thursday. But the Biden administration said it will immediately end this humanitarian campaign if Hamas diverts or steals the assistance.
At an earlier press conference, Biden called on all parties involved, including Israel, to facilitate humanitarian aid.
“And my point to everyone is if you have an opportunity to alleviate the pain, you should do it. And if you don't, you're going to lose credibility worldwide. And I think everyone understands that,” said President Biden.
 US President Joe Biden speaks in Tel Aviv, Israel on October 18, 2023. (Photo: AP) |
Speaking to the Israeli media, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted that he had allowed the opening of a humanitarian corridor through the Rafah border crossing at the request of President Biden, but insisted that this would take place only in southern Gaza and Hamas forces would not be given access.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said the humanitarian convoy's activities will take place under UN supervision, but to make relief operations proceed smoothly, Egypt also needs to repair roads near the Rafah border crossing, which were damaged by recent conflicts.
According to the UN, after nearly two weeks of conflict, Gaza needs at least 100 humanitarian trucks a day. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Organizations said there are more than 200 trucks with more than 3,000 tons of goods lined up near the Rafah border crossing waiting for permission to enter the Gaza Strip.