According to Reuters, the Israeli government announced on Wednesday that it would not stop humanitarian aid from Egypt to Gaza, but these shipments would not be allowed to reach Hamas. Reuters notes that Egypt continues to stockpile its aid behind the Gaza borders, but trucks are unable to cross the border amid airstrikes. After Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israeli territory on October 7, Israel stated that it was imposing a complete blockade on the Gaza Strip, home to approximately 2.3 million people, cutting off electricity and halting the flow of food and fuel. Following this, the United Nations warned of a 'humanitarian catastrophe.' In the latest statement from the Israeli Prime Minister's office, Benjamin Netanyahu declared, 'Israel will not prevent humanitarian aid from Egypt as long as this aid is only food, water, and medicine for civilians located in southern Gaza or those who are evacuated there and as long as this aid does not reach Hamas.' The statement indicated that Israel made this decision after a request from Biden, but added that Israel would continue to blockade humanitarian aid from Israel to Gaza until our hostages are returned. The statement read, 'Any preparations that reach Hamas will be prevented.' Israel has told the people of Gaza to move from north to south for their safety during the war. Reuters further reports that aid trucks approached the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza from the city of Al-Arish in northern Sinai on Tuesday, October 17. However, in the absence of an agreement for aid delivery, they were unable to enter Gaza. Before Biden's trip to Israel on Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Israeli officials and said that an agreement had been reached with Israel to devise a plan for sending aid to Gaza, but the timeline for this was unspecified. Egypt stated that the Rafah crossing, a crucial route for necessary supplies, has not been officially closed, but it has been rendered inactive due to Israeli airstrikes towards Gaza. The Israeli Prime Minister warned Israel's enemies during a meeting with the U.S. President. U.S. President: 'We have ensured Israel's military qualitative superiority for decades.' Joe Biden: 'The people of Gaza need food, water, and shelter; aid will not reach Hamas.' Senator Blackburn criticized the $100 million U.S. aid to Palestinians: 'It will reach Hamas.'
Israel Says It Will Not Prevent Aid from Egypt to Gaza
Israel announced it will allow humanitarian aid from Egypt to Gaza, provided it does not reach Hamas. This decision follows a complete blockade imposed by Israel after Hamas's attack on October 7. The situation raises concerns about a humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the complexities of international aid amidst ongoing conflict.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Israel announced it will allow humanitarian aid from Egypt into Gaza, provided it does not reach Hamas. This follows a complete blockade after a Hamas attack on October 7.
- Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza after an attack by Hamas.
- Aid from Egypt is being stockpiled but cannot cross due to ongoing airstrikes.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The Gaza Strip has been a focal point of Israeli-Palestinian tensions, with frequent conflicts affecting civilians. International aid is crucial for the population's survival.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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