U.S. Expresses Satisfaction with Humanitarian Aid to Gaza, Dismisses Resettlement Reports
U.S. Secretary of State Addresses Aid and Refugee Resettlement
During a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed the United States’ pleasure with the recent resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip. “There are 100 additional trucks of aid scheduled to enter Gaza, and further assistance is on the way,” Rubio stated.
Denial of Resettlement Reports
Rubio also took the opportunity to refute reports regarding a controversial plan allegedly proposed by former President Donald Trump to resettle start million Gazans in Libya. “We have consulted with regional countries about the potential willingness to accommodate Gazans who might choose to leave voluntarily,” he clarified, “but I am not aware that Libya has been included in those discussions.”
The Secretary of State indicated that while conversations had taken place about resettling displaced Gazans, there had been no agreement or formal plan established. He emphasized that discussions were focused on the options available if individuals from Gaza express a desire to leave for various reasons, such as health or education.
Humanitarian Aid Update
In a separate update, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the entry of five United Nations humanitarian aid trucks into the Gaza Strip, marking the first such entry in months after passing through rigorous security checks. “In line with recommendations from military professionals and under the guidance of the political leadership, UN trucks carrying humanitarian supplies, including baby food, were allowed through the Kerem Shalom crossing,” stated an IDF spokesperson.
Additionally, international aid organizations reported that approximately 100 more trucks are expected to enter Gaza in the coming days, with plans for distributing aid once it arrives.
Urgent Humanitarian Needs
Tom Fletcher, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, warned that around 14,000 infants could face life-threatening situations if humanitarian supplies do not reach them imminently. Fletcher noted that UN teams are actively present in medical centers and schools to assess and address the dire needs on the ground.
Ongoing Conflict in the Region
While these humanitarian efforts continue, the conflict in the region remains intense. Reports from Gaza revealed 87 fatalities in the past 24 hours due to ongoing military operations, with the IDF stating it attacked over 100 targets associated with terrorist groups in Gaza as part of its military campaign. Social media from Gaza has also shown displaced individuals fleeing western areas of the city amid continued airstrikes.
In conclusion, while the U.S. government expresses contentment with the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, it remains cautious regarding discussions related to the potential resettlement of Gazans in other countries, including Libya.
Photo Credit: REUTERS/Amir Cohen