Joe Biden, Netanyahu agree to 'continue flow' of humanitarian aid to Gaza

After visiting war-torn Israel, US President Joe Biden held a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, affirming the need to ensure the continued flow of humanitarian aid and relief materials into Gaza.

Joe Biden holds telephonic call with Netanyahu

The White House has shared a joint statement saying that President Joe Biden called up Netanyahu to discuss the developments in Gaza and the neighbouring regions.

The White House said, “The leaders affirmed that there will now be a continued flow of this critical assistance into Gaza.”

Meanwhile, Biden has also welcomed the first two convoys of humanitarian assistance since Hamas’ surprise and unprecedented October 07 attack on Israel.

The aid has crossed the border into Gaza and is being distributed to Palestinians in need, said the statement.

Biden appreciates Israel for helping to accommodate American hostages

Further, the US president has also expressed appreciation for Israel’s support in helping to accommodate the release of two American hostages.

On Saturday, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed the release of two US citizens, who were being hostage by Hamas.

The two Americans released were identified as Judith Tai Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter, Natali Raanan, both from Chicago, according to CNN. Their family members said they had been visiting relatives in Nahal Oz, a farming community in southern Israel, and were released on "humanitarian grounds" due to the mother's poor health.

Moreover, both leaders discussed ongoing efforts to further secure the release of all the remaining hostages, including US citizens, taken by Hamas.

They also discussed the way to provide safe passage for US citizens and other civilians in Gaza who wish to depart, according to the statement.

"The President and the Prime Minister agreed to stay in close touch," the White House statement added.

14 aid trucks enter Gaza Strip

As Israel continued to pound Hamas in Gaza, as many as 14 trucks laden with items for humanitarian relief entered the Strip through the Rafah crossing on Monday, according to CNN.

These aid trucks were sponsored by the Egyptian Red Crescent and the United Nations.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasised on Friday that facilitating the movement of aid into Gaza was among his top priorities over the past week. He noted that they worked diligently with the governments of Israel and Egypt.