By Abdel-Rauf Arnaut
JERUSALEM (AA) – In a sharp reversal, Israel said Wednesday it will allow humanitarian aid from Egypt to go to civilians in the southern Gaza Strip.
"In light of (US) President (Joe) Biden's request, Israel will not prevent the flow of humanitarian aid from Egypt as long as it is food, water, and medical supplies for the Palestinian population in the southern Gaza strip and as long as it doesn't go to Hamas,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement, referring to the Palestinian group it has been in armed combat with since Oct. 7.
“Any aid diverted to Hamas will be prevented," the statement added.
Israel said, however, it will not allow any humanitarian aid to be delivered from Israeli territory to Gaza until the hostages being held by Palestinian groups from the Oct. 7 attack are returned.
“Israel demands that the International Red Cross be able to visit the hostages and will work to mobilize international support for this demand,” it added.
Palestinian groups in Gaza are believed to be holding over 250 Israelis following a cross-border attack into Israeli territory.
The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.
The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.
Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out.
UN chief Antonio Guterres has called for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” to ease the “epic human suffering.”
At least 3,478 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.