Israel Announces Aid Will Enter Gaza Through Egypt Following Siege

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has announced that aid will be allowed to enter Gaza through Egypt, following a days-long siege on the Palestinian territory. This decision was made in response to a request from US President Biden, who visited Israel recently. The aid from Egypt will consist of food, water, and medicine for civilians in Gaza’s south, and it will be allowed as long as it does not go to Hamas, the governing body of Gaza.

Israel has stated that it will not allow aid into Gaza through its own border as long as Hamas continues to hold hostages. The timing for when the much-needed aid will enter Gaza through the Rafah crossing, the only official passage between Egypt and Gaza, remains unclear. President Biden has expressed the US’s commitment to working with regional partners to expedite the delivery of aid.

These announcements come in the wake of a deadly blast at a Gaza hospital, which the Hamas-run territory officials claim killed almost 500 people. President Biden has backed Israel’s denial of responsibility for the explosion, asserting that U.S. military data indicates it was a Palestinian rocket, not an Israeli airstrike, that caused the blast. The situation has further complicated Mr. Biden’s diplomatic mission, as tension escalates in the region and fears of the conflict spreading increase.

According to officials in Gaza, the Israeli bombardment since Hamas attacked Israeli civilians and soldiers on October 7 has resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,500 people, predominantly women and children, and has wounded over 12,000 others. In Israel, officials report that Hamas’ attack has killed approximately 1,400 people and injured 3,500 others. Hamas is said to be holding almost 200 hostages, with 13 U.S. nationals remaining unaccounted for.

During his visit to Tel Aviv, President Biden condemned Hamas’ attack on Israel and emphasized that securing the release of the hostages held by Hamas is a top priority for him. Meanwhile, the U.S. government has issued a warning to law enforcement nationwide regarding potential attacks in the United States targeting individuals and institutions connected to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Department of Homeland Security, FBI, and National Counterterrorism Center have urged law enforcement to remain vigilant and to take precautions to protect communities amidst increased threats.

Dan Raviv, a Middle East news analyst and former CBS News correspondent, expressed surprise at the intelligence and border security failures of Israel in light of Hamas’ attack. He argued that if Israel succeeds in driving Hamas out of power in the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Authority should assume control of the territory. Raviv suggested that with the promise of significant investment and the opening of the port, the Palestinian Authority could persuade displaced Palestinians to return to the Gaza Strip.

The devastating impact of the hostilities is evident in the recent strike on a home in southern Gaza, where seven small children were killed. Gruesome images of the victims were shared on social media, stirring outrage. The destruction of a hospital has further strained Gaza’s already crumbling health system, leaving 45,000 patients without care. As aid begins to flow into Gaza, Mohamed Salah, renowned Egyptian soccer star, has called on world leaders to take urgent action to prevent further violence and deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

While efforts are underway to evacuate U.S. citizens trapped in Gaza, the continued armed conflict between Israel and Hamas presents challenges. The State Department has been in contact with U.S. citizens, their immediate family members, and loved ones, striving to provide assistance and support during this complex situation. The focus remains on the safe return of all hostages and achieving peace in the region.