Israel has announced it will allow “temporary” aid deliveries through its border with northern Gaza, just hours after the US told Israel that future US support for the Gaza war depends on new steps to protect civilians and aid workers.
US President Joe Biden spoke to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu by phone days after Israeli air strikes killed seven aid workers in Gaza — including Australian Lalzawmi “Zomi” Frankcom.
The White House said Mr Biden “made clear the need for Israel to announce and implement a series of specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers”.
Shortly after, Israel said it was reopening the Erez crossing into the famine-threatened territory for the first time since October 7.
“Israel will allow the temporary delivery of humanitarian aid through Ashdod and the Erez checkpoint,” said a government statement.
The announcement comes as international pressure mounts on Israel after it took responsibility for the attack on aid workers this week.
Israel has said it would adjust tactics in the Gaza war after describing the attack on the aid workers as the result of a misidentification.
( Ref: Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 5 April 2024 )