Israel will permit temporary humanitarian aid via its border with the northern Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated Friday, reopening the Erez crossing into the famine-stricken area for the first time since the October 7 attacks that launched the war.
“Israel will allow the temporary delivery of humanitarian aid through Ashdod and the Erez checkpoint”, stated a government statement issued hours after US President Joe Biden’s warning.
“This increased aid will prevent a humanitarian crisis and is necessary to ensure the continuation of the fighting and to achieve the goals of the war”, the statement reads.
The announcement comes as international pressure grows on Israel after it accepted responsibility for a strike that killed seven aid workers.
According to a White House statement, in a tense, 30-minute call with Netanyahu on Thursday, Biden made clear that US policy with respect to Gaza will be determined based on specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers.
As per Israel’s statement, in addition to letting aid through the Erez border crossing and the port of Ashdod, located approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of Gaza, the authorities will also allow increased Jordanian aid through Kerem Shalom, a border crossing in southern Israel.
Also read: Biden Warns Israel: US Backing Depends On Gaza Civilian Safety
