New Crossing Opened to Northern Gaza This Week, Says White House

The White House announced today, Tuesday, that "Israel will open a new crossing to northern Gaza this week following a request from U.S. President Joe Biden during a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu." It clarified that "more than 200 aid trucks are entering the Palestinian territory daily." The White House stated that it is not aware of any American officials in contact with China, which said today it had held talks between rival Palestinian factions. However, it added that Washington would welcome any efforts by Beijing to stabilize the region and persuade Hamas to accept an agreement for the release of Israeli hostages. In this context, the White House condemned the non-peaceful actions during anti-war protests in Gaza, stating that the occupation of a building on the Columbia University campus by students is "completely the wrong approach." It noted that "any law enforcement response is left to local authorities without a plan for federal intervention."