On day following the Netanyahu government’s approval to reopen the Erez border crossing for humanitarian aid into Gaza, US President Joe Biden stated that Israel’s actions are in response to his call for measures to reduce humanitarian suffering in the Gaza Strip.
“I asked them to do what they’re doing,” stated Biden in his comments when queried by a journalist regarding the possibility of halting military support to Israel. Biden made these remarks while departing the White House to inspect the damage from the recent bridge collapse in Baltimore.
The US President’s statement followed a strained phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In the call, President Biden cautioned that the US might reevaluate its policy unless Israel undertook definitive measures to safeguard civilian lives and aid workers. This warning came in the wake of Israeli strikes that resulted in the deaths of seven food relief workers affiliated with the World Central Kitchen.
Following the dialogue between the two leaders, Israel announced the opening of the Erez crossing on Gaza’s northern border, allowing temporary aid delivery through the Ashdod port. This move aims to increase the flow of humanitarian supplies into Gaza. Moreover, Israel has also committed to increasing the amount of assistance entering Jordan through the Kerem Shalom crossing.
Earlier on Friday, ABC News host George Stephanopoulos queried White House spokesperson Kirby about whether Israel’s recent adjustments meet Biden’s requirements.
In his response, Kirby stated, “Well, we’re going to have to watch and see where they go from here…” referring to the overnight moves as “good starts.” Regarding Biden’s communications with Netanyahu, the National Security Council spokesperson said, “But we’ve got to see them execute and implement those things over time.”
Meanwhile, during a press conference on Friday for the US-European Union Trade and Technology Council in Belgium, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered a message that echoed previous statements.
He stated, “These are positive developments, but the real test is results and that’s what we’re looking to see in the coming days and in the coming weeks.” He also mentioned that the US would closely monitor the frequency of aid trucks entering Gaza and the reversal of food insecurity indicators.
Erez Crossing, also referred to as Beit Hanoun, is a significant border crossing between Israel and the northern Gaza Strip. Recently, it was reopened for the first time since the October 7 attack by Hamas. Previously, Israel had maintained strict control over land crossings and prohibited all travel by air and sea to and from Gaza.
Prior to the onset of the conflict, the enclave had two operational crossings: Erez, designated for the passage of individuals, and Kerem Shalom, intended for the transfer of goods.