Kerem Shalom

W

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan held a meeting with Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu, during which he conveyed President Biden's updated stance, emphasizing more precise targeting. This adjustment reflects the evolving global pressure for a ceasefire, underscored by the recent UN General Assembly vote advocating a Humanitarian Ceasefire. Prior to departing for Israel, Sullivan shared a noteworthy development: his Israeli counterpart, Tzachi Hanegbi, had chosen to open the Kerem Shalom border crossing. This decision aims to establish a direct pathway for the humanitarian delivery of relief goods to the Palestinian people.

Sullivan expressed his approval of this significant step, highlighting that President Biden had raised the matter in recent phone conversations with Prime Minister Netanyahu. The opening of the Kerem Shalom crossing was also a pivotal topic during Sullivan's two-day visit to Israel. The United States reaffirms its commitment to expanding and maintaining the flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza. Sullivan mentioned ongoing collaboration with Egypt and other partners for the delivery and distribution of aid through the Rafah crossing. He expressed hope that the new border opening would alleviate congestion and facilitate the timely delivery of life-saving assistance to those urgently in need in Gaza.