In a significant development, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken emphasized that the United States is seeking tangible “results” following Israel’s decision to open up new routes for aid to flow into Gaza. This decision by Israel came after President Biden conveyed in a call with the Israeli prime minister that U.S. support for Israel would hinge on its actions to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Mr. Blinken hailed Israel’s agreement to establish new aid routes as “positive developments,” but he underscored that the United States will be closely monitoring whether Israel follows through on its commitment to allow more aid into the enclave. He emphasized that the true test lies in the outcomes, specifically in the number of trucks consistently delivering aid.
Pressure has been mounting on Israel from U.S. officials and humanitarian agencies to increase aid crossings into Gaza, as the United Nations warns of an impending famine. President Biden’s conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu further intensified this pressure, leading to the announcement of additional aid routes through the port of Ashdod and the Erez crossing.
While aid officials cautiously welcomed the news, they stressed the need for clarity on the implementation of these new measures. The World Food Program and Germany’s foreign minister echoed calls for swift action to alleviate the hunger crisis in Gaza.
As the situation in Gaza remains dire, the international community is closely watching to ensure that aid reaches those in need without delays or obstacles. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of Israel’s efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.