Israel has agreed to allow aid to move into Gaza from Egypt: U.S. President Biden

Biden visits Tel Aviv to show support for Israel following Hamas attack. Agrees to allow humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza from Egypt, subject to inspections. Announces $100M in aid to Gaza and West Bank. Reiterates U.S. commitment to Israel's defense and prevention of more tragedy to innocent civilians. Netanyahu expresses gratitude.

U.S. President Joe Biden said on 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 the October 7 attack by Hamas that killed roughly 1,400 people, Mr. Biden cautioned the nation against all-consuming rage.

Israel cut off the flow of food, fuel and water in Gaza following the attack. Mediators have been struggling to break a deadlock over providing supplies to desperate civilians, aid groups and hospitals.

Mr. Biden said he had spoken with the Israeli Cabinet “to agree to the delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance of civilians in Gaza”.

“Let me be clear,” Mr. Biden said. If Hamas diverts or steals the assistance, they will have demonstrated once again that they have no concern for the welfare of the Palestinian people.”

Mr. Biden also said an additional $100 million in humanitarian assistance would be delivered to Gaza and the West Bank.

Mr. Biden told Mr. Netanyahu he was “deeply saddened and outraged” by the hospital explosion in Gaza on Tuesday, in which, according to Palestinian authorities, some 500 people were killed.