- By Anushka Vats
- Mon, 23 Oct 2023 08:16 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday agreed to continue the humanitarian aid and relief materials into Gaza on a telephonic call. Informing about the same, the White House released an official statement and said that Biden called up Netanyahu to discuss developments in Gaza and the surrounding region.
"The leaders affirmed that there will now be a continued flow of this critical assistance into Gaza," the White House statement said.
The two leaders discussed ongoing efforts to further secure the release of all the remaining hostages, including US citizens, taken by Hamas. They also talked about providing a safe way for US citizens and other civilians in Gaza who wish to depart.
ALSO READ Israel-Hamas War: Israeli Aircraft Strikes Two Hezbollah Cells In Lebanon
"The President and the Prime Minister agreed to stay in close touch," the White House statement added.
(Image Credits Reuters)
Meanwhile, the US President hailed the first two humanitarian aid convoys that have arrived since the surprise attack by Hamas on October 7. According to the official statement, the aid has crossed the border into Gaza and is being distributed to Palestinians in need.
ALSO READ 'Would Resume Visa Services If...':S Jaishankar Amid Ongoing Tensions Between India And Canada
He also hailed Israel for its support in helping to accommodate the release of two American hostages.
As Israel continued to pound Hamas in Gaza, at least 14 trucks laden with items for humanitarian relief entered the Strip through the Rafah crossing on Monday, CNN reported.
These aid trucks were sponsored by the Egyptian Red Crescent and the United Nations.
Earlier on Saturday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasised on Friday that facilitating the movement of aid into Gaza was among his top priorities over the past week. He noted that they worked diligently with the governments of Israel and Egypt.
(With inputs from ANI)
