Over 25 Tons of Aid Sent by the U.S. for Gaza Residents; Aid Continues

The U.S. Agency for International Development announced that since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the United States has transferred over 25 tons of humanitarian items, including medical supplies and food, to Egypt for distribution in Gaza via its aircraft. The statement noted that the U.S. is still planning more flights in the coming days, with the U.S. Air Force delivering these items to Egypt to be transported overland to Gaza and then distributed among the people of the region by UN agencies. U.S. officials welcomed the temporary ceasefire in Gaza and the exchange of prisoners and hostages, stating that the ceasefire has provided an opportunity for humanitarian efforts in this small territory to replenish the fuel, water, and food that have run out for the local population. The President of the United States expressed satisfaction on Monday with the extension of the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel for another two days, stating, 'I have been deeply engaged in ensuring that this agreement (the initial ceasefire reached last week) achieved through extensive U.S. mediation and diplomacy can remain fruitful.' Joe Biden considered the 'humanitarian pause' in hostilities to significantly increase the provision of humanitarian aid to innocent civilians across the Gaza Strip, adding that the U.S. is 'fully taking advantage' of the pause in hostilities to increase the volume of humanitarian aid to Gaza and will continue its efforts to build a future of peace and dignity for the Palestinian people.