Humanitarian concerns grew after Israel ordered the evacuation of the northern Gaza Strip last week ahead of a ground invasion, forcing residents to concentrate in the southern part of the blockaded strip. After the first humanitarian aid convoy arrived in Gaza on Saturday morning, President Joe Biden thanked regional partners and encouraged assistance to continue without interruption.

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“From the beginning of this crisis, I have made clear – both in my public statements and in my private conversations – that humanitarian assistance is a critical and urgent need that must be urgently mobilized,” Biden said, thanking Israel and Egypt for theirs continued support commitment. Support. Cooperation.

Biden has repeatedly called on both countries to open the Rafah border crossing and allow aid to flow into Gaza, where water, medicine and food are in short supply. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a similar statement on Saturday. “The opening of this vital supply route is the result of several days of comprehensive U.S. diplomatic engagement in the region and the agreement that President Biden reached with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi during their recent historic visit .” .

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“Hamas must not interfere in the delivery of this vital aid. Palestinian civilians are not responsible for Hamas’ horrific terrorism and should not suffer from its depraved actions,” Blinken added. He said providing more aid to Gaza was “necessary for the well-being of the nation.” Humanitarian concerns have increased after Israel last week ordered the northern part of the Gaza Strip to be evacuated ahead of a ground invasion, forcing residents to concentrate on the blockaded southern part of the strip. , Israeli airstrikes in response to the October 7 Hamas attack have continued over the past two weeks as IDF forces continue to prepare for an “extended” battle, including a ground attack.