Pakistan's government on Monday took a compassionate step by deciding to send humanitarian relief assistance to the Gaza Strip.
This move comes in response to the dire humanitarian situation unfolding in the Gaza Strip following indiscriminate Israeli aggression and a prolonged siege.
Gaza Strip, the densely populated has been grappling with unprecedented suffering, and the urgent need for assistance has compelled Pakistan to initiate this humanitarian mission.
Meanwhile, the caretaker government is actively engaged in coordinating efforts with various stakeholders, including the Government of Egypt, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, relevant United Nations agencies, and Pakistani Missions abroad to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of aid.
Read also: 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza face dire healthcare shortages
Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch confirmed Pakistan's commitment to providing vital aid to the Palestinian people in their time of need.
The spox underlined the gravity of the situation in Gaza, emphasizing the necessity of extending assistance to our Palestinian brothers and sisters.
Additionally, Pakistani missions abroad are actively involved in finalizing the logistics and modalities of the aid's delivery, ensuring a seamless and timely response to the crisis, added she.
The spokesperson reiterated that the people of Gaza, who have been enduring immense suffering, are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, and Pakistan's commitment to providing support highlights the nation's dedication to alleviating the ongoing crisis in the region.
Day 9 of escalation
On day 9, Israel and Hamas agreed on a ceasefire in Southern Gaza Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt has temporarily opened starting at 9 am (06:00 GMT) on Monday allowing foreigners, including an estimated 600 American citizens, to cross into Egypt, amid a possible Israeli invasion of Gaza, Reuters reported.
But as the news broke, both Israel's Prime Minister's office and Hamas denied there was not truth in the ceasefire reports.
Rafah is the only way out of Gaza after Israel closed its crossings. Based on the latest agreement with Egypt, only foreign nationals are allowed to pass through
US State Department says that the situation at Rafah crossing is “fluid and unpredictable”, and it was “unclear” how long the crossing would remain open amid the impending Israel ground invasion of Gaza.
Foreigners and dual nationals are waiting for evacuation arrangements while humanitarian aid sent by Jordan and Turkey is stuck at the Rafah crossing, awaiting clearance for entry.
Death Toll
Gaza
- Killed: At least 2,808
- Injured: At least 10,859
Occupied West Bank
- Killed: At least 57
- Injured: At least 1,200
Israel
- Killed: At least 1,400
- Injured: At least 3,400
The Prime Minister's Office said on Monday morning that "there is no ceasefire and humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip in exchange for the removal of foreigners."
However, trucks with humanitarian aid are entering the Gaza Strip via Egypt's Rafah Crossing.
Israel evacuates citizens
The National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) of the Ministry of Defense and the IDF have announced the implementation of a plan to evacuate residents of northern Israel who live in the area up to 2 kilometers from the Lebanese border to state-funded guesthouses.
The implementation of the plan was approved by Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant. A short while ago, the Northern Command updated the heads of the local authorities on to the decision.
The plan will be implemented by the heads of the local municipalities, the Ministry of Interior and the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) of the Ministry of Defense.
The IDF released a statement and said 28 communities included in the plan are: Ghajar, Dishon, Kfar Yuval, Margaliot, Metula, Avivim, Dovev, Ma’ayan Baruch, Bara’m, Manara, Yiftach, Malkia, Misgav Am, Yir’on, Dafna, Arab al-Aramshe, Shlomi, Netu’a, Ya’ara, Shtula, Matat, Zari’t, Shomera, Betzet, Adamit, Rosh HaNikram, Hanita and Kfar Giladi.
US President Biden considering trip to Israel
President Joe Biden is considering a trip to Israel in the coming days but no travel has been finalized, a senior administration official said Sunday in token of support for Tel Aviv against Hamas surprise attack that killed over 1,300 in Israel.
Associated Press reported that a trip would be a chance for Biden to personally affirm to the Israeli people the U.S. is standing firm behind them.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has already been traveling around the Mideast this past week trying to prevent the war with Hamas from igniting a broader regional conflict.
Biden also made his strongest public statements yet to restrain Israel after the Oct. 7 attack that killed more than 1,400 people including at least 30 U.S. citizens, warning in an interview with CBS’ 60 Minutes that aired Sunday that Israel should not reoccupy Gaza.
“I think it’d be a big mistake,” Biden said. “Look, what happened in Gaza, in my view, is Hamas, and the extreme elements of Hamas don’t represent all the Palestinian people. And I think that it would be a mistake for Israel to occupy Gaza again.”
Israel left Gaza in 2005; Hamas won the elections the next year. Still, Biden said, “taking out the extremists ... is a necessary requirement.”
