The United States Central Command has announced that the temporary pier in Gaza is once again operational and has delivered approximately 656 tons of aid to the beach of the Strip in the largest single-day aid distribution to date. Over 4,160 tons of humanitarian aid have been delivered through the facility to the sorting area, where humanitarian organizations can collect them for sorting in the Strip.
Meanwhile, two reservists from the Tel Aviv army died in a mortar attack in the Gaza Strip, bringing the overall military death toll in operations against Hamas to 314. Three other soldiers were seriously wounded in the same attack. The armed forces confirmed their deaths.
In Washington, DC, US Secretary of State met with Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs and Israeli National Security Advisor to convey a message urging Israel to avoid further escalation between Israel and Hezbollah on the border with Lebanon. The need for a diplomatic solution to allow Lebanese and Israeli citizens to return home was emphasized, along with increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza and planning for governance, security, and post-conflict reconstruction.
The Biden administration is growing increasingly concerned about a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah on the border with Lebanon as there are fears that Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system could be overwhelmed by Hezbollah’s pro-Iranian missile arsenal. The European Union High Representative for Foreign Policy also expressed deep concern about ongoing situation in Gaza and West Bank and emphasized need for ceasefire, humanitarian access, hostage release and respect for international law.
