Israel Agrees to Open Another Crossing and Increase Aid Flow to Gaza Amid U.S. Pressure
In a significant move aimed at addressing the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Israel has agreed to open another crossing and increase the flow of aid into the enclave. This decision comes after a tense phone call between President Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which Mr. Biden expressed growing frustration over the situation in Gaza.
The Israeli government confirmed the measures in an overnight statement, following the Biden administration’s announcement late Thursday. The U.S. president had threatened to condition future support for Israel on how it addresses concerns about civilian casualties and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
According to a spokeswoman for the National Security Council, Israel will open the Erez crossing to allow aid into northern Gaza, use the port of Ashdod to direct aid into the enclave, and significantly increase deliveries from Jordan at the president’s request. The Erez crossing has been closed since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, but no specific timeline was given for its reopening.
Israeli news outlets reported that the country’s war cabinet approved the measures early Friday morning, allowing for the temporary use of the Erez crossing and port of Ashdod. Pressure has been mounting on Israel to open more border crossings for aid, with warnings from the United Nations about the looming famine after nearly six months of war.
President Biden has been critical of Israel’s approach to the conflict with Hamas, particularly in terms of protecting civilians. The recent killing of seven aid workers by Israeli forces further fueled his outrage, leading to the leveraging of American aid to influence Israel’s conduct in the war.
The most severe shortages are in northern Gaza, where people have been desperate for assistance. Aid groups have faced challenges in delivering supplies due to Israeli restrictions and lawlessness in the area. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III also emphasized the need for a rapid increase in aid through all crossings during a call with his Israeli counterpart.
The International Court of Justice recently ordered Israel to ensure the unhindered provision of aid into Gaza, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Despite Israel’s rejection of accusations regarding aid delays, the commitment to open another crossing and boost aid flow is a step towards alleviating the crisis in Gaza.
