In a telephone conversation on Monday between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, both leaders reaffirmed the necessity of maintaining the flow of relief supplies and humanitarian aid into Gaza. President Biden called Prime Minister Netanyahu, according to a statement from the White House, to discuss events in Gaza and the surrounding area.
“The leaders affirmed that there will now be a continued flow of this critical assistance into Gaza,” the White House statement said.
Meanwhile, President Biden welcomed the first two convoys of humanitarian assistance since Hamas’s October 7 terrorist attack.
According to the statement, the aid has crossed the border into Gaza and is being distributed to Palestinians in need.
Additionally, Biden expressed gratitude for Israel’s assistance in facilitating the release of two American hostages. Two US citizens were released from Hamas captivity on Saturday, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Their family members said they had been visiting relatives in Nahal Oz, a farming community in southern Israel, and were released on “humanitarian grounds” due to the mother’s poor health.
Moreover, the two leaders discussed ongoing efforts to further secure the release of all the remaining hostages, including US citizens, taken by Hamas.
They also discussed the way to provide safe passage for US citizens and other civilians in Gaza who wish to depart, according to the statement.