American diplomacy is hailing a first since the start of the war: private sector trucks not part of a humanitarian convoy have entered the Gaza Strip.
Seeing “not only humanitarian aid, but also commercial goods that can be sold in shops and markets” entering the area represents “a crucial step in improving the lives of Palestinians in Gaza.” Matthew Miller, Foreign Ministry spokesman spoke to the press.
The trucks, mostly carrying food, passed through the Rafah crossing on the border with Egypt to enter the Palestinian territory. Matthew Miller said the border crossing and arrival of commercial vehicles were the “result of intensive diplomacy” by US diplomats, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
“Meeting the needs of the Palestinian people”
The United States is Israel's main military and diplomatic backer in its war against the Palestinian movement Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip. But they are increasingly trying to show that they are working behind the scenes to address Palestinian concerns as the White House has distanced itself from the Israeli government. Joe Biden also estimated that Israel is at risk of losing the support of the international community because of its “indiscriminate” bombings in the Gaza Strip
During a visit by U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan late last week, Israel also announced the opening of another border crossing into Gaza, Kerem Shalom.
“We will continue to work closely with the governments of Israel, Egypt and partner countries in the region to further increase humanitarian assistance arriving in Gaza to meet the needs of the Palestinian people,” the State Department spokesman said.