Israel To Open Kerem Shalom Allowing Humanitarian Aid Into Gaza
By Tiffany Williams –
On Friday National Security Council Director for Strategic Communication, John Kirby during a White House press gaggle confirmed that before National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan left Israel he got the news by the government of Israel that they had made the decision to open up Kerem Shalom for direct delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people in Gaza.
On Thursday a senior administration official said that during talks with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s, they discussed opening up the Kerem Shalom crossing for inspections.
Friday afternoon Kirby said Mr Sullivan “Urged them to quickly make it available for the direct entry of trucks.”
Kirby said Friday, “So this is a significant step forward. We’re very, very grateful for this decision. I think it’s going to make a big difference in the lives and livelihoods of people that are still suffering and in need of food, water, medicine, and fuel. And it’s, of course, something we asked the Israelis to do. We’re glad that they have moved in that direction.”
On Friday, Mr Sullivan in a statement said, “Before departing Israel, I was informed by my counterpart, Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi, that the Government of Israel has taken the decision to open its border crossing at Kerem Shalom for direct delivery of humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in Gaza.” Sullivan added, “We welcome this significant step. President Biden raised this issue in recent phone calls with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and it was an important topic of discussion during my visit to Israel over the past two days.”
“The United States remains committed to expanding and sustaining the flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza,” said Sullivan. “We will continue to work closely with Egypt and other partners on the delivery and distribution of humanitarian assistance through Rafah crossing, and we hope that this new opening will ease congestion and help facilitate the delivery of life-saving assistance to those who need it urgently in Gaza.”
