The US has pledged $2 billion to support humanitarian aid in over a dozen countries through a new UN mechanism aimed at improving efficiency and accountability, following significant aid cuts by the previous administration. The aid will focus on life-saving assistance in countries like Ukraine, Nigeria, and Sudan, but excludes Gaza, which will be handled separately. This move is part of broader efforts to address global humanitarian needs amid declining donor support and funding challenges.
Jordanian military cargo planes are set to airdrop aid over Gaza, joining aircraft from Germany, Egypt, and the United States in providing humanitarian assistance to the region devastated by Israel's recent bombing. Two Jordanian maintenance engineers prepare the aircraft for the mission, which will involve a US turboprop C-130 Hercules, commonly used for airdropping troops and aid into remote areas.
The United States is entering a new phase with its military operations in Gaza by providing food and other assistance to Gazans through sea and air deliveries, while simultaneously continuing to supply Israel with munitions. This decision marks a shift in the U.S. military's history of humanitarian aid, as it now seeks to aid civilians in a conflict where it also supports the party conducting the bombings. The Pentagon's construction of a floating pier off the Gaza Strip and authorization of humanitarian airdrops reflect efforts to alleviate the suffering in the besieged territory, although some relief experts criticize these measures as inadequate.
The Pentagon plans to deploy 1,000 US troops to build a temporary pier off the Gaza Strip's coast to facilitate the flow of aid into the territory, with the capability to offload 2 million meals a day. The pier will be constructed offshore without American troops going ashore, and the aid will be transferred to Gaza via a causeway attached to the beach. The US military aims to increase aid flow into Gaza, supplementing land shipments and air drops. Security concerns and aid distribution logistics remain to be addressed, with the US pressuring Israel to ease restrictions on incoming aid and open more land crossings.
The European Commission, Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States have announced plans to open a maritime corridor to deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza, with Cyprus leading the Amalthea Initiative to securely ship aid from Cyprus to Gaza via sea. The United States will lead an emergency mission to establish a temporary pier in Gaza, in coordination with humanitarian partners and other countries, to enable the delivery of significant quantities of assistance by sea. The initiative aims to supplement land and air routes, including from Egypt and Jordan, and to work with Israel to expand deliveries by land while ensuring the protection of civilian lives.
The Israeli military has presented a plan to evacuate the population of Gaza from areas of fighting, particularly focusing on the southern city of Rafah, amid warnings of an upcoming offensive. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office directed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to draw up the plan, which includes providing humanitarian assistance to Gaza and preventing looting. The US has warned against a campaign on Rafah without a credible evacuation plan, while negotiations for a potential ceasefire and hostage release are ongoing.
The United States Department of State is preparing to announce a robust sanctions package against Russia in connection to the two-year anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the death of Alexei Navalny. The department is focused on denying the Russian military industrial complex components it needs to fund its war effort and holding accountable those involved. Additionally, the department is working to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and is seeking a temporary ceasefire to facilitate the release of hostages and the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Secretary Blinken will travel to Albania and Munich to reaffirm U.S. relationships and commitment to NATO, while also discussing peace and security in the Middle East. The U.S. Department of State is uncertain about resuming funding for UNRWA due to a provision in a bill passed by the Senate, but remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinians. The Department is engaging with the Government of Israel to ensure the delivery of critical humanitarian aid to Gaza and is monitoring the situation in Rafah. Additionally, the U.S. is seeking information and consular access for American citizens detained in Israel and Gaza.
President Biden criticized Israel's military campaign in Gaza as "over the top" and expressed hope for negotiations to secure a ceasefire and provide humanitarian aid. Despite his historical support for Israel, Biden has faced political backlash and is now pushing for a change in the course of the war. He also issued a national security memorandum to ensure U.S. weapons recipients adhere to international law.
The United Nations has presented a Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Ukraine for 2024, requesting $4.2 billion to support war-affected communities, asylum seekers, and host communities. The plan targets 8.5 million people inside Ukraine and 2.3 million refugees and host communities in the region, aiming to provide urgent support and assistance to those affected by the ongoing conflict.
Experts affiliated with the United Nations warn that the population of the Gaza Strip is at imminent risk of famine, with over 90 percent of its 2.2 million people facing acute food insecurity and a quarter experiencing catastrophic levels of hunger. The territory has been under blockade since 2007, and the recent war has exacerbated the situation, with only 20 to 30 percent of needed food being permitted over the border. Nutrition experts and doctors describe the rapid progression from hunger to severe malnutrition, with children, pregnant and lactating women, and older adults being the most vulnerable.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken announces a deal with Israeli officials to launch a United Nations-led assessment mission in northern Gaza, aiming to facilitate the safe return of displaced Palestinians to their homes. Blinken also defended Israel against allegations of genocide and urged right-wing officials to stop undermining Palestinian self-governance. The agreement comes after discussions about scaling down Israel's campaign against Hamas, with the U.S. reaffirming its support for Israel's fight against the designated terrorist group.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, discussing the urgent need to address humanitarian issues in Gaza and expressing gratitude for the UAE's humanitarian contributions. They emphasized the importance of preventing further conflict spread, reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to regional peace, and discussed ending the conflict in Sudan. Both parties highlighted the significance of the strategic partnership between the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
The United States Department of State has called on the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan to immediately halt their advance towards Wad Medani, as it threatens vulnerable civilians and disrupts humanitarian relief efforts. The RSF's actions in Gezira State have already caused mass displacements and the closure of markets in Wad Medani. The Department is also concerned about renewed fighting in El Fasher, which undermines efforts for a lasting ceasefire and endangers civilians. They urge all parties to cease firing from or near IDP camps to protect civilian lives.
The Government of Israel has decided to open its border crossing at Kerem Shalom for direct delivery of humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, a move welcomed by the United States. President Biden had raised this issue in recent phone calls with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and it was discussed during National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's visit to Israel. The United States remains committed to expanding and sustaining the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza and will continue to work with Egypt and other partners to facilitate the delivery of life-saving assistance.
