Israel announced the approval of two humanitarian routes into Gaza to facilitate the entry of more aid into the region. Israel will temporarily reopen the Erez Gate in northern Gaza, which has been closed since the beginning of the conflict. Additionally, it will open the Ashdod Port to allow humanitarian deliveries. Israel will permit further aid from Jordan to pass through the Kerem Shalom Crossing.
These decisions came shortly after a conversation between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the first since the tragic deaths of seven aid workers. In the phone call, Biden emphasized that Israel must take definitive actions to prevent civilian casualties and alleviate humanitarian suffering if it wishes to maintain US support.
Ultimatum
Essentially, Biden issued an ultimatum to the Israeli government: implement concrete measures to protect civilians and ensure the safety of aid workers, or face a change in US policy towards Gaza. This marked a notable shift in US approach, being the first time Washington has sought to use American aid as leverage to influence the conduct of the conflict in Gaza.
The recent tragic incident involved the deaths of seven individuals affiliated with the food aid organization World Central Kitchen (WCK) in an Israeli strike in Gaza. An Israeli air attack struck the convoy they were traveling in along the Israeli-designated coastal aid route. The attack occurred shortly after they had unloaded over 100 tonnes of food from a barge at a warehouse in Deir al-Balah.
Israel’s military expressed regret and acknowledged the attack as a tragic error, committing to a thorough investigation. The US National Security Council welcomed Israel’s announced steps, emphasizing the need for their full and swift implementation. It stated that US policy going forward would depend on Israel’s actions to safeguard innocent civilians and the well-being of aid workers.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken further emphasized on Thursday that a change in US policy was imminent if Israel did not demonstrate a shift in its approach.
