Israel has approved the opening of two new routes into Gaza to facilitate increased humanitarian aid flow into the region. The Erez Gate in northern Gaza will temporarily resume operations for the first time since the conflict began, while Ashdod Port will also be accessible for humanitarian deliveries. Additionally, more aid from Jordan will be permitted to enter through the Kerem Shalom Crossing.
This decision follows a phone call between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, their first conversation since an Israeli strike resulted in the deaths of seven aid workers in Gaza earlier this week. Israel has acknowledged the incident as a “grave mistake” and pledged an independent investigation.
President Biden emphasized that US support for Israel hinges on measures taken to address civilian casualties and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, currently in Belgium for meetings with EU leaders, welcomed Israel’s initiative to increase humanitarian aid access. However, he stressed that success will be evaluated based on tangible outcomes on the ground, including the quantity of aid reaching Gaza and the mitigation of famine risks.
Blinken emphasized the importance of Israel’s efforts to protect civilians and underscored the need for accountability regarding the strike on the World Central Kitchen aid convoy, which claimed the lives of seven workers, including a US-Canadian citizen.