Washington, DC – Following a Thursday call between President Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli government has approved the opening of three humanitarian aid corridors. The move comes in response to the recent Israeli strike in Gaza that killed seven aid workers, including one American, which President Biden deemed “unacceptable.”
One of the aid corridors approved is the Erez Crossing in northern Gaza, which has been closed since the conflict began. Additionally, the Port of Ashdod will be open for humanitarian deliveries, and aid trucks from Jordan will be permitted to enter Gaza through the Kerem Shalom border crossing.
The decision to open these aid corridors was influenced by President Biden’s call with Prime Minister Netanyahu, during which the President emphasized the need for Israel to take concrete steps to alleviate the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The White House stated that the future of U.S. policy toward the conflict will depend on Israel’s actions to address civilian harm and ensure the safety of aid workers.
The call between the two leaders marked their first conversation since the deadly strike on the World Central Kitchen workers, an incident that sparked international condemnation. President Biden expressed outrage and heartbreak over the attack, insisting on the importance of an immediate ceasefire to safeguard innocent civilians.
Israel’s Cabinet issued a statement affirming that the increased aid will help prevent a humanitarian crisis and support the objectives of the ongoing conflict. The relationship between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu has grown increasingly strained, with public disagreements reflecting differing approaches to the conflict.
Jose Andres, head of the World Central Kitchen, accused Israel of deliberately targeting charity workers, a claim dismissed as “nonsense” by Israel’s economy minister, Nir Barkat. While the U.S. has not planned an independent investigation into the strike, the Biden administration will continue to engage in tough conversations with Israeli counterparts.
The unfolding tensions in the U.S.-Israel relationship highlight the complexity of navigating humanitarian crises in conflict zones. As the international community monitors developments in the region, the actions and decisions of key leaders will play a critical role in shaping the future of the conflict and the well-being of those affected.