The United States has pledged an additional $21 million in humanitarian assistance for Gaza to help establish a field hospital. The aid was announced Tuesday by Samantha Power, who heads the U.S. Agency for International Development, during a visit to the Egyptian city of el-Arish.
Quick Read
- Additional U.S. Aid for Gaza: The United States has committed an additional $21 million in humanitarian assistance to help establish a field hospital in Gaza.
- Announcement by Samantha Power: The aid was announced by Samantha Power, the head of the U.S. Agency for International Development, during her visit to el-Arish in Egypt.
- El-Arish as a Key Point for Aid: El-Arish, located about 80 kilometers from Gaza’s western border, serves as a critical drop-off point for international aid, which is then transported to Gaza.
- Hospital Closures in Gaza: The recent war between Israel and Hamas rulers in Gaza has led to the closure of many hospitals in the territory, necessitating the need for additional medical facilities and aid.
- U.S. Commitment to Civilian Protection: Power reiterated the United States’ commitment to increasing aid and ensuring the protection of civilians as Israel continues its military offensive.
- Conduct of Military Operations: Emphasizing the need for responsible military conduct, Power stated that military operations should distinguish between fighters and civilians.
- U.S. Support for Israel and Call for Reduced Casualties: While supporting Israel’s offensive, the U.S. has urged Israel to minimize civilian casualties and called for humanitarian pauses to alleviate Palestinian suffering in Gaza.
- Recent Cease-Fire and Aid Flow: A weeklong cease-fire that ended recently saw an increase in aid entering Gaza, including fuel, through Egypt’s Rafah border crossing.
- Second U.S. Aid Flight to Gaza: Olivia Dalton, White House Principal Deputy Secretary, disclosed that the U.S. organized a second aid flight into Gaza, delivering 36,000 pounds of food and medical supplies.
- Collaboration with United Nations Agencies: The delivered aid is set to be distributed in Gaza by United Nations agencies.
The Associated Press has the story:
US pledged $21M in humanitarian aid for Gaza to establish a field hospital
Newslooks- EL-ARISH, Egypt (AP)
The United States has pledged an additional $21 million in humanitarian assistance for Gaza to help establish a field hospital.
The aid was announced Tuesday by Samantha Power, who heads the U.S. Agency for International Development, during a visit to the Egyptian city of el-Arish.
The city is some 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Gaza’s western border and has become the drop-off point for international aid before it’s packed in trucks and transported to the besieged enclave. The war between Israel and Gaza’s Hamas rulers has forced many of the territory’s hospitals to close.
Power also reiterated that the U.S was committed to boosting aid and protecting civilians as Israel presses ahead with its offensive.
“Military operations need to be conducted in a way that distinguishes fighters from civilians,” Power said.
The U.S., a close ally of Israel, has backed Israel’s offensive but urged Israel to reduce civilian casualties. It has also called for humanitarian pauses to ease the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.
A weeklong cease-fire that ended Friday saw an uptick in aid enter Gaza, including fuel. Since Oct. 7., a trickle of aid has flowed intermittently into Gaza through Egypt’s Rafah border crossing.
US ORGANIZES AID FLIGHT TO GAZA
ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE — White House Principal Deputy Secretary Olivia Dalton said Tuesday the U.S. had organized a second aid flight into Gaza with 36,000 pounds (16,329 kilograms) of food and medical supplies.
An Air Force C-17 aircraft delivered the items to Egypt, where they were to be transported into Gaza and distributed by United Nations agencies, Dalton said.
The aid came as USAID administrator Samantha Power arrived in Egypt to meet with local officials and Egyptian and international humanitarian organizations.
Dalton spoke as President Joe Biden traveled to Boston for a series of fundraisers for the 2024 campaign.
