In response to a request from President Joe Biden, Israel has agreed to permit Egypt to deliver restricted quantities of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Israel to Allow Humanitarian Aid to Gaza Following Biden’s Request
Israel has agreed to permit Egypt to deliver limited quantities of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, responding to a request from U.S. President Joe Biden. The aid, which includes food, water, and medicine, is conditional on inspections to ensure it reaches civilians and not Hamas militants. However, the statement from s office did not specify when the aid would start flowing and made no mention of badly needed fuel.
UN Warns of Gaza Health System Collapse
UN officials have raised alarms about the Gaza health system’s collapse, citing the destruction of a hospital and a rising death toll. The recent attack on the Al Ahli hospital has strained Gaza’s health infrastructure, leaving 45,000 patients without vital care. UN Mideast envoy Tor Wennesland warned of the real and extremely dangerous risk of the conflict expanding, reigniting grievances across the region.
U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Hamas Members
The U.S. announced sanctions against a group of 10 Hamas members and the organization’s financial network spanning Gaza, Sudan, Turkey, Algeria, and Qatar. Targeted individuals manage a Hamas investment portfolio, facilitate finances, and command key roles. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized swift action in response to Hamas’s “brutal and unconscionable” attack on Israel.
Death Toll Revision and Urgent Appeals
The Gaza Health Ministry revised the death toll from a hospital explosion down to 471, with conflicting estimates from various sources. The director of al-Ahli Hospital, Suhaila Tarazi, made an urgent appeal for an end to the conflict, describing the aftermath of the explosion as unprecedented and calling for a cessation of hostilities.
International Efforts and Calls for Humanitarian Corridor
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has prepared 60 tons of aid for Gaza but requires safe access for delivery. Aid organizations, including Save the Children, are pleading for a humanitarian corridor to address severe shortages of water, food, electricity, and fuel in Gaza. Pope Francis announced an evening prayer service in St. Peter’s Square to pray for peace amid the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis.
Iran Calls for Expelling Israeli Ambassadors and Oil Embargo
Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian called on Muslim nations to expel their Israeli ambassadors and implement an oil embargo on Israel in response to the hospital explosion in Gaza.