President Joe Biden said Wednesday that Israel had agreed to allow humanitarian assistance to begin flowing into Gaza from Egypt, with the understanding it would be subject to inspections and that it should go to civilians and not Hamas militants.
In remarks from Tel Aviv where the president had gone to show support for Israel following a brutal and deadly Oct. 7 attack that killed roughly 1,400 people, Biden cautioned the nation against all-consuming rage.
“I understand. Many Americans understand," Biden said, likening the attack to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the U.S. that killed nearly 3,000 people. “You can't look at what has happened here ... and not scream out for justice. While you feel that rage, don't be consumed by it.”
Israel had cut off the flow of food, fuel and water to the Gaza Strip after the attack. Mediators have been struggling to break a deadlock over providing supplies to desperate civilians, aid groups and hospitals. An explosion at a Gaza Strip hospital compounded the suffering.
Shortly after Biden's remarks, Israel confirmed food, water and medicine would begin to flow, though the timing wasn't immediately clear.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.