The United States is sending 24 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza
U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan said his country sent the first of three planes to Egypt on Tuesday loaded with humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza.
The plane, which landed on the Gaza-Egypt border, was carrying at least 24 tons of food, medical supplies and winter equipment. A day earlier, US President Joe Biden announced that he would use the ceasefire extension to bring more aid to the region.
“The humanitarian needs in Gaza require the international community to do much more. The United States is committed to this effort,” said a document signed by White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. The senior official added that his government would work to “mobilize the international community to quickly increase support.”
The United Nations, for its part, will bring aid from Egypt’s northern Sinai region. “These UN supplies will save lives and ease the suffering of thousands in Gaza,” Sullivan added.
Qatar, which was the major broker of the ceasefire, announced on Monday that the humanitarian pause, originally scheduled to last four days, would be extended by 48 hours. The idea is that Hamas will release more hostages kidnapped during the attack on Israel.