Title: Israel Agrees to Open Humanitarian Routes into Gaza
Israel has agreed to open three humanitarian routes into Gaza. The Erez Gate in northern Gaza will reopen temporarily, for the first time since the bloody Israel-Hamas war began in October last year. Ashdod Port will be opened for humanitarian deliveries, and more aid will be allowed to enter via the Kerem Shalom Crossing from Jordan. The decision comes hours after US President Joe Biden warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the situation in the besieged enclave is “unacceptable”.
Biden Demands Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza
During an hour-long phone call on Thursday, US President Joe Biden demanded that Netanyahu push for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The reopening of the corridors was understood to have been specifically requested by Mr. Biden, as reported by BBC. The heated conversation followed the deaths of seven aid workers – including three Brits – who were killed by an “unintentional” airstrike in Gaza on Monday night.
International Outrage Over Aid Workers Death
An aid convoy suffered direct missile hits to each car, killing seven charity workers – including three Brits – on Monday night. An Israeli air force squadron known as “Black Snake” is thought to have blitzed the convoy of World Central Kitchen charity workers, who were delivering food aid to starving Palestinians in Gaza. Mr. Biden warned Netanyahu on Thursday that Israel could lose US support if civilians continue to get hurt and killed.
Demand for Transparent Investigation into Deaths
UK PM Rishi Sunak paid tribute to the three “brave Brits” who were killed in Gaza and called for a “transparent independent investigation” into their deaths. Sunak emphasized the urgency of increasing aid getting into Gaza and working closely with aid agencies to prevent similar tragedies in the future. While supporting Israel’s efforts to combat terrorism, Sunak stressed the importance of allowing more aid into Gaza to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
Israel Issues Apology for Deadly Strike
Israel’s highest-ranking officer apologized after his forces killed seven aid workers including three Brits in a war blunder. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi emphasized that the bombing of the World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers was a “grave mistake” and was the result of “misidentification”. Halevi assured that immediate actions would be taken to protect humanitarian aid workers and offered condolences to the families of the victims.
Conclusion
The deadly airstrike on aid workers in Gaza has sparked international outrage and calls for a transparent investigation. As efforts continue to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the need for immediate ceasefire and increased aid delivery remains paramount to prevent further civilian casualties. Amidst the ongoing conflict, the voices demanding accountability and protection for aid workers grow louder, urging swift action to prevent such tragedies from recurring.