US President Joe Biden issued a statement, Saturday, addressing the opening of the Rafah Border-Crossing, and the topics that were discussed at the Cairo Summit for Peace. He also thanked President Abdel Fattah El Sisi for his efforts in the ongoing crisis.
Biden initiated his statement by celebrating the passing of the earliest aid trucks to Gaza from Rafah Border Crossing, highlighting: "The opening of this essential supply route was the result of days of diplomatic engagement at the highest levels."
He added: "I made it clear from the outset of this crisis–in both my public statements and private conversations–that humanitarian assistance was a critical and urgent need that had to get moving, and I express my deep personal appreciation for the leadership of President Al-Sisi of Egypt, Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel, and the United Nations to allow the resumption of this assistance."
The United States remains committed to ensuring that civilians in Gaza will continue to have access to food, water, medical care, and other assistance, without diversion by Hamas.
We will continue to work with all parties to keep the Rafah crossing in operation to enable the continued movement of aid that is imperative to the welfare of the people of Gaza, and to continue working to protect civilians, consistent with obligations under international humanitarian law," the statement read.
Biden concluded: "We also continue to work around the clock, in partnership with Egypt and Israel, to facilitate the ability of U.S. citizens and their immediate family members to exit Gaza safely and travel via Egypt to their final destinations."
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