Biden announces $100m humanitarian assistance in Gaza

Joe Biden, president of the United States, has announced $100 million as humanitarian assistance in Gaza and the West Bank.

“I just announced $100 million for humanitarian assistance in Gaza and the West Bank,” Biden said in a post on his X account on Wednesday.

Biden said the $100 million would support over 1 million displaced and conflict-affected Palestinians.

“And we will have mechanisms in place so this aid reaches those in need – not Hamas or terrorist groups,” he said.

The US president arrived in Israel a few hours ago following an invitation from Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli prime minister, to show support for the Jewish nation in the ongoing conflict with Hamas, the Palestinian militant group.

Hours before Biden’s arrival, a rocket struck the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, killing over 500 Palestinians, including many children.

Hamas, as well as Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Bahrain, accused Israel of carrying out the “horrific massacre”.

However, Netanyahu countered the allegations, insisting that Israel was not behind the attack.

In another statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it received intelligence that “Islamic Jihad is responsible for the failed rocket launch which hit the hospital in Gaza”.

Speaking alongside the Israeli prime minister during his visit, Biden said he was outraged by the explosion, adding that the attack was “done by the other team, not you”.

Biden cautioned Israelis not to be consumed by rage, and said the vast majority of Palestinians are not affiliated with Hamas.

“The Palestinian people were suffering as well,” he said.

The US president added that he would ask Congress for an “unprecedented” aid package this week, and also unveiled more aid for Palestinian citizens.

Although Biden has not expressly encouraged a ceasefire, he has issued strong warnings about protecting civilian lives.

Asked if Hamas must be completely eliminated in an interview over the weekend, Biden said: “Yes I do”.