Video: Biden meets with Netanyahu: "We will discuss the difficult issues - such as preserving democratic values"
The United States and Israel are discussing "temporary humanitarian pauses" in the fighting in Gaza to allow aid to be delivered to the Palestinian population, allow the passage of foreign nationals out of Gaza and also allow the transfer of hostages in case a deal is reached for their release, U.S. officials said. According to them, these are the first talks and nothing has yet been decided.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned the idea of "humanitarian pauses" in a speech Tuesday at the U.N. Security Council. U.S. officials noted that this was not a ceasefire, but rather a lull of several hours in a specific area of Gaza that could be used for various humanitarian missions. The Americans even mentioned the issue in the text of the draft resolution they brought to a vote in the Security Council yesterday. Russia vetoed the resolution.
Israeli Air Force airstrikes in the Gaza Strip/Reuters
U.S. officials noted that Israel already carries out such prematurities unofficially, for example when it stops attacking in the Rafah area when trucks carrying humanitarian aid from Egypt enter. "We are discussing with the Israelis about extending these pauses, to what extent they will be and what it will look like on the ground," a senior U.S. official said. "In any case, we agree that Israel reserves the right to act if it identifies a security threat in the area where the truce is taking place."
The issue of humanitarian pauses could be critical with regard to the possible release of a large group of hostages as part of a deal between Israel and Hamas. In order to transport such a large group of people, a respite of several hours would be necessary, so as not to endanger the lives of the hostages.
During the conversation between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu last night, the two discussed efforts to locate and release the hostages, including those who hold American citizenship, the White House said. Biden and Netanyahu also discussed ways to allow safe passage for foreign nationals who want to leave Gaza as soon as possible. "The president discussed with the prime minister American support for the continued transfer of humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza and welcomed efforts to increase this aid in the near future," the White House said in a statement.
- More on the subject:
- Gaza War
- Iron Sword War
- Joe Biden
- United States