United States President Joe Biden warned Israel on March 7 that it cannot use aid as a "bargaining chip" in its fight against Hamas and called for an immediate temporary ceasefire in Gaza, where fears of a looming famine have multiplied.
Using his annual State of the Union address to deliver some of his strongest comments yet about the five-month-long war, Mr Biden also ordered the US military to lead "an emergency mission" to build a temporary pier off Gaza to facilitate more aid deliveries.
His address was delivered to Congress as hopes dimmed for a new truce before the start of Ramadan after Hamas negotiators left talks with mediators in Egypt to consult the movement's leadership in Qatar.
"To the leadership of Israel, I say this humanitarian assistance cannot be a secondary consideration or a bargaining chip. Protecting and saving innocent lives has to be a priority," Mr Biden said.
Mr Biden, who is facing political pressure over his steadfast support for Israel despite the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stressed "no US boots will be on the ground" as part of the project.
US personnel would remain offshore while allies manage onshore operations from the port. The plan would also involve a maritime aid corridor from Cyprus.
The US, Israel's strongest ally, carried out another airdrop of aid into Gaza on March 7 - its third in less than a week - along with aircraft from Jordan, Belgium, Egypt, France and the Netherlands.
This story is from the March 09, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
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This story is from the March 09, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
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