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Amid conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East region, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has allowed Egypt to deliver limited humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
The announcement of allowing water, food and other supplies in came as outrage spread across the Middle East over the explosion at al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City.
Israel cut off all supplies to Gaza shortly after Hamas militants attacked communities in southern Israel on 7 October. With supplies running out, many families in Gaza have stopped eating one meal a day and have been left to drink dirty water.
Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Joe Biden says, ‘What separates us from terrorists is…’
Netanyahu’s office said the decision was approved following a request from US President Joe Biden.
It said Israel would not “stop” deliveries of food, water or medicine from Egypt as long as they are limited to civilians in the south of the Gaza Strip and do not go to Hamas militants. The statement made no mention of fuel, which is desperately needed for hospital generators.
Also read: Israel-Hamas war enters 13th day, Egypt sends aid to Gaza, drone attack on American bases. 10 things we know so far
The Egyptian president has also agreed to open the crossing and let in an initial group of 20 trucks with humanitarian aid. Assistance will start arriving as soon as Friday.
Biden spoke with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Wednesday and discussed ongoing coordination of humanitarian assistance to Gaza and mechanisms to ensure aid is distributed for the benefit of the civilian population.
Also read: ‘Angry’ US not to repeat ‘mistakes’: Joe Biden’s 9/11 warning to Israel
“If Hamas seizes it or doesn’t allow it access or simply seizes it, it will be over because we will not send any humanitarian aid to Hamas if they are going to seize it. That’s the commitment I made.” Made,” Biden said.
He said the 20 trucks represent the “first tranche” but that a total of “150 or something” trucks are waiting. Whether the rest are allowed to cross will depend on “how it goes.”
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Updated: 19 October 2023, 08:04 AM IST
