Biden thanks King Abdullah II for Jordan’s aid effort in Gaza
The US president has hailed Jordan’s “extraordinary humanitarian response” to the situation in Gaza, according to a White House readout of a call between the two leaders.
That assistance “has been critical in addressing the humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza”, the White House said.
“The President updated King Abdullah on his ongoing efforts to secure a hostage release and ceasefire deal, and preparations for a surge in humanitarian assistance during a ceasefire period,” the readout continued.
Displaced Palestinians wait to receive for food in Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip, on July 18
Gaza aid ship from UAE docks in Egypt’s El Arish
The fourth and largest UAE aid ship for Gaza has docked in Egypt’s El Arish sea port.
The ship carries 5,300 tonnes of aid to Palestinians in Gaza as part of the UAE’s Operation Chivalrous Knight.
During his visit to El Arish, secretary-general of Emirates Red Crescent Authority Rashid al-Mansouri was received by Egypt’s North Sinai governor, Khaled Megawer.
Megawer said that 20 aid ships from different countries had docked in Arish, carrying 34,000 tonnes of aid.
Egyptian and UAE officials visited injured people from Gaza getting treatment at a UAE-operated floating hospital. The hospital’s medical director, Ahmed Mubarak, said that 42 injured Palestinians were being treated there, accompanied by 60 of their relatives.
Then the aid still needs to get to those who need it in Gaza
UN official urges increased protection for Gaza civilians, humanitarian staff
A United Nations official has underscored the dire conditions in Gaza and the challenge of delivering aid.
Muhannad Hadi, deputy special coordinator and resident and humanitarian coordinator of the office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, said protection is needed in Gaza for civilians and relief staff.
“Protection is urgently needed for the civilian population in Gaza, but also for the humanitarian operations,” he said. “Humanitarian staff and assets must be protected from all forms of violent attacks.
Hadi added that the inability to achieve the mandate was “beyond our control”.
