US President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced that Egypt has agreed to open the Rafah entrance into Gaza for a first batch of roughly 20 humanitarian assistance trucks. The consignment, however, would most likely not cross until Friday due to road maintenance at the crossing.The US president visited Israel on Wednesday, only hours after the bombing at the Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza, which sparked outrage in Arab countries that blame Israel and protests in Muslim countries ranging from Egypt to Pakistan.After the Hamas group attacked Israeli cities on October 7 and killed over 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and captured almost 200 hostages, Israel pounded Gaza, killing nearly 3,500 people, according to authorities.Discussion between US & EgyptAccording to a statement from White House, US President Joe Biden spoke with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi on Wednesday and discussed ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, after which Egypt agreed on the coordination to deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza and mechanisms to ensure the aid is distributed for the benefit of the civilian population, the White House said.The two presidents agreed to work closely together to provide a prompt and forceful international response to the UNs appeal for humanitarian relief.“They agreed on the need to preserve stability in the Middle East, prevent escalation of the conflict, and set the circumstances for a durable, permanent peace in the region. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the enduring, strategic partnership between the United States and Egypt,” the White House said in an official release.Notably, Biden was earlier scheduled to meet with Jordans King Abdullah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas after first visiting Israel. However, the meeting was cancelled after the Gaza hospital explosion.Jordans Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said the meeting would be held at a time when the parties could agree to end the “war and the massacres against Palestinians” and blamed Israel with its military campaign for pushing the region to “the brink of the abyss”.US announces $100 mn aidMeanwhile, the US has also announced $100 million humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza. Taking it to their official X account, it mentioned, “Today, @POTUS announced $100 million in new funding for humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Trusted partners, including UN agencies and NGOs, will continue to provide U.S. aid to support over one million Palestinians affected by the conflict.”Today, @POTUS announced $100 million in new funding for humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.Trusted partners, including UN agencies and NGOs, will continue to provide U.S. aid to support over one million Palestinians affected by the conflict.— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 18, 2023
