The Biden administration has communicated to Israel that the elevated levels of humanitarian aid and fuel provided to Gaza during the temporary ceasefire should persist even after the cessation of hostilities, according to two senior U.S. officials.
The aid surge, including additional trucks in northern Gaza and fuel, is not contingent on hostage releases, the officials emphasized.
While the U.S. is taking advantage of the pause to boost assistance, it stresses the importance of maintaining or ideally increasing these levels beyond the current ceasefire.
The administration is also concerned about potential Israeli military operations in southern Gaza and has urged measures to avoid mass displacements to prevent exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
On Tuesday, the first of three U.S. military planes carrying essential supplies for Gaza’s civilian population is set to land in Egypt, with the remaining two planes arriving shortly.
Despite the welcomed increase in aid, humanitarian groups caution that it remains insufficient to address the severe crisis in Gaza, where 1.7 million people face displacement.
The Biden administration’s focus on sustaining aid levels, irrespective of hostage releases, underscores its commitment to addressing the pressing humanitarian needs in Gaza amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.
