By Zeynep Katre Oran
Washington is committed to ensuring that Gazans have continued access to humanitarian aid, US President Joe Biden said.
"The United States remains committed to ensuring that civilians in Gaza will continue to have access to food, water, medical care, and other assistance," Biden said in a statement released by the White House on Saturday.
The statement further said that the US will continue to work with all parties to keep the Rafah border crossing operational in order to enable the "continued movement of aid that is imperative to the welfare of the people of Gaza, and to continue working to protect civilians, consistent with obligations under international humanitarian law."
A 20-truck convoy entered the Gaza Strip from Egypt earlier on Saturday. This was the first aid delivery to Gaza since armed conflict broke out between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7.
Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis, with no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out.
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.
At least 4,651 Palestinians, including 1,873 children, have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.