Israel’s decision to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza

The written statement issued by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Press Office included decisions made unanimously by the Israeli government’s Expanded Security Cabinet “in light of US President Joe Biden’s request for basic humanitarian aid.”

“IF THE POWERS ARE NOT RETURNED…”

The statement first noted that Israel would not allow humanitarian aid to be sent from its territory to the Gaza Strip unless Israeli prisoners in Gaza were returned.

Secondly, the statement called on the Red Cross organization to visit Israeli prisoners.

“AS LONG AS HE DOES NOT SURRENDER TO HAMAS”

Third and finally, the statement stated that the following decision was made regarding humanitarian aid to Gaza:

“In accordance with President Biden’s request, Israel will not block humanitarian aid from Egypt to civilians in the southern Gaza Strip or evacuated to it, as long as it consists only of food, water and medicine and is not delivered to Hamas. “Any material that reaches Hamas will be blocked.”

The United States had vetoed the draft United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution calling for a “pause” in the conflict to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. (AA)