Israel to open additional border crossings to boost aid to Gaza following discussion with Biden
Following a warning to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that U.S. policy toward Gaza could change if Israel does not take action, Israel’s security cabinet approved increased aid to Gaza on Thursday night. President Joe Biden had cautioned Netanyahu about potentially altering U.S. policy towards the ongoing conflict if improved humanitarian access for Palestinians was not achieved. The Israeli government announced immediate steps to boost humanitarian aid for the civilian population in Gaza. In order to facilitate aid delivery, Israel will temporarily open the Erez border crossing in the north of Gaza and allow aid to enter through the Port of Ashdod nearby. This decision comes in response to the closure of the Port of Ashdod following an attack by Hamas terrorists on October 7. Additionally, Jordanian aid will be permitted to enter through the Kerem Shalom Crossing, located at the border where Gaza meets southern Israel and Egypt. The statement from the government emphasized that increased aid is crucial to averting a humanitarian crisis and essential for advancing the goals of the ongoing conflict.
President Biden’s message to Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated the unacceptable humanitarian situation in Gaza and hinted at potential policy changes if Israel failed to take necessary actions. The White House welcomed Israel’s decision to increase aid and urged prompt and comprehensive implementation of the plan. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson emphasized the importance of immediate action by Israel in opening the Ashdod port, the Erez crossing, and enhancing aid deliveries from Jordan. The statement stressed a collaborative effort between the Israeli government, Jordan, Egypt, the United Nations, and humanitarian organizations to ensure a substantial increase in humanitarian assistance reaching civilians in Gaza in the coming days and weeks.
Amid the conflict, Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry reported around 30,000 Palestinian casualties due to Israeli military operations targeting Hamas. The ongoing war escalated following the October 7 attacks by Hamas, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and others, along with the capture of over 250 hostages, most of whom have been released since. The United Nations raised concerns about famine in northern Gaza as Palestinians struggled to access essential resources like food and water amidst the conflict with Hamas.
Furthermore, the Erez checkpoint will serve as the third access point for aid deliveries in Gaza, complementing the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Israel and another checkpoint at the Egypt border in Rafah, where over a million Palestinians seek refuge from the conflict. The recent phone call between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu marked their first communication since an Israeli airstrike on April 1 killed seven members of the U.S.-based non-governmental organization, World Central Kitchen, in Gaza. Biden expressed outrage and sorrow over the casualties, while Israel apologized for the incident and initiated an investigation into the “misidentification” of the target that led to the strike.
White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, emphasized the need for a thorough investigation by the Israeli government to ensure accountability for the airstrike. During the call, President Biden insisted on specific measures to address the safety of aid workers, minimize harm to civilians, and alleviate humanitarian suffering. The White House also reiterated its support for a temporary cease-fire to facilitate hostage exchange and expressed ongoing support for Israel through the provision of arms and ammunition.
