AgenPress – US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed Israel opening additional crossings in northern Gaza later this week to allow more aid into the Strip, the White House says.
The crossings referred to appear to be the Karni and Erez crossings which Israel intends to open fully as well as Gate 96 in northern Gaza.
The opening of further crossings is seen as essential to flood Gaza with aid amid fears of possible famine.
It would also be crucial if Israel goes ahead with plans to launch a major invasion of Rafah because that would likely cut off the current humanitarian center located there from the rest of Gaza.
The White House report said the two leaders discussed a potential Israeli offensive in Rafah and that Biden “reiterated his clear position.”
The report does not elaborate further, but the United States has said it cannot support any operation that does not ensure the full protection of the more than one million Palestinians taking refuge in Gaza’s southernmost city and does not believe Israel will be able to evacuate in safety. and take care of so many civilians. At other times, US officials have expressed their opposition to a major operation in Rafah without making any reservations.
In the appeal, Biden “underlined the need for this progress to be supported and strengthened in full coordination with humanitarian organizations.”
This has been a sticking point between the sides throughout the war, particularly since an Israeli airstrike killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers. Israel has since strengthened some of its deconfliction mechanisms, and Biden in the call acknowledged recent increases in the amount of aid going to Gaza, but the United States insisted that Jerusalem must continue to do more.
The two leaders also discussed ongoing hostage negotiations as the sides await Hamas’ response to the latest proposed hostage deal, which is expected to arrive in the next few days.
Biden highlighted the joint statement organized last week with the leaders of 17 other countries calling on Hamas to immediately release the remaining 133 hostages it is holding in Gaza in what would allow for an immediate ceasefire and aid for civilians in the Strip, the White House.
Biden reiterated his commitment to Israel’s security, which was demonstrated during the jointly foiled Iranian missile and drone attack earlier this month, the US report said.
