Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to ensure the reopening of the Kerem Shalom crossing for humanitarian aid during his call with US President Joe Biden, according to the White House.
The two leaders discussed the “ongoing” negotiations over the hostage deal in Doha, Qatar, and Washington’s position on any potential Rafah operation.
Humanitarian help
The Kerem Shalom crossing was closed this weekend to humanitarian aid trucks after it was hit by a rocket attack that killed three Israeli soldiers.
“President Biden updated the Prime Minister on efforts to secure a hostage agreement, including through ongoing negotiations today in Doha, Qatar. The Prime Minister agreed to ensure that the Kerem Shalom crossing is open for humanitarian assistance to those in need. The president reiterated his clear position on Rafah,” according to the White House. The two men also discussed their shared commitment to remembering the millions of Jews who were murdered during the Holocaust.
Ceasefire negotiations
Before the call, a spokesperson for the National Security Council also said it is the White House's view that reaching a hostage agreement is the best path forward.
“We continue to believe that a hostage agreement is the best way to preserve the lives of the hostages and prevent an invasion of Rafah, where more than a million people are sheltering. These conversations are ongoing now,” the spokesperson said. They declined to comment on Israel's latest request for people to leave eastern Rafah, but added: “We have made our views on a major ground invasion of Rafah clear to the Israeli government.”
Source: CNN Brasil
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