The Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported on Thursday morning that Rubio stated the decision to occupy the entire Gaza Strip lies with Israel, claiming that “as long as Hamas is armed in Gaza, there will be no peace.” He echoed the words of U.S. President Donald Trump, who asserted that the United States respects Israel’s right to take what it deems necessary for its security, and that the U.S. conducts almost daily talks with the Israeli government, often with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or members of his team.
He noted that “there are three interconnected issues that must be addressed simultaneously, namely: the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the hostage issue, and the presence of Hamas.” Egypt announced on Wednesday that it is providing aid to the Gaza Strip via the Rafah land crossing, as part of its ongoing humanitarian support for Palestinians amid deteriorating conditions inside the besieged enclave.
Egyptian news outlet “Cairo News” reported that hundreds of trucks loaded with aid headed to Gaza as part of a coordinated operation, including food, medicine, medical supplies, baby formula, tents, as well as generators and water. These movements are part of official and popular efforts by Egypt to provide urgent medical and food aid to the people of the Gaza Strip, who face an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
The people of Gaza are suffering from unprecedented levels of hunger, with UN organizations warning of widespread famine and increasing death rates due to malnutrition, especially among children, the sick, and those with disabilities. From October 7, 2023, to August 5, 2023, more than 61,000 Palestinians have been killed, in addition to about 151,000 injured, according to health ministry data.
