Biden warns US policy on Gaza could change if Israel fails to protect civilians; Israel approves opening of humanitarian aid routes into Gaza
US President Joe Biden has warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that US policy with respect to Gaza will depend on the swift implementation of new steps to protect civilians and aid workers.
In a phone call with Netanyahu on Thursday, Biden made clear the need for Israel to announce and implement a series of concrete steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering and the safety of aid workers.
The call followed an Israeli airstrike that killed seven members of the US-based aid group World Central Kitchen in Gaza earlier this week.
The White House said Biden told Netanyahu that strikes on humanitarian workers and the overall humanitarian situation are “unacceptable.”
Biden emphasized that an immediate ceasefire is essential to stabilize and improve the humanitarian situation and protect innocent civilians.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was more direct in his remarks as he said, “Look, I’ll just say this: if we don’t see the changes that we need to see, there will be changes in our policy.”
White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said after the phone call that the US wants to see “real changes” on the Israeli side.
Kirby added that the US hopes to see a dramatic increase in the humanitarian assistance going into Gaza, and a reduction in the violence against civilians and aid workers in the “coming hours and days.”
Meanwhile, Israel will now allow more aid into Gaza from Erez Gate, Ashdod Port and the Kerem Shalom crossing.
In a significant development, Israel has announced the approval of two humanitarian routes into Gaza, aiming to facilitate the influx of aid into the besieged territory.
The decision comes hours after US President Joe Biden’s conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marking a pivotal shift in US policy towards leveraging aid to influence the conduct of the conflict in Gaza.
The Erez Gate in northern Gaza, dormant since the onset of the war, will be temporarily reopened, alongside the Ashdod Port, to allow humanitarian deliveries. Additionally, more aid from Jordan will be permitted to enter via the Kerem Shalom Crossing.
The reopening of these corridors, specifically requested by Biden during the call, reflects a significant shift in US policy, signaling a departure from conventional diplomatic approaches.
The decision follows the tragic killing of seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen (WCK) in an Israeli strike in Gaza on Monday. The convoy they were traveling in was targeted by an Israeli airstrike shortly after unloading over 100 tonnes of food aid in Deir al-Balah.
Israel has expressed regret over the incident, terming it a tragic mistake, and has pledged a full investigation.
The US National Security Council welcomed Israel’s announced measures, emphasizing the importance of their swift implementation to safeguard innocent civilians and aid workers. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned of a change in US policy if Israel fails to demonstrate significant changes.
