President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the Middle East: Watch Live

President Biden to address Middle East crisis as Egypt agrees to send aid trucks through Israel to Gaza, amid escalating conflict.

President Joe Biden is set to deliver remarks on the situation in the Middle East this Friday afternoon, according to the White House. This announcement comes in the wake of Egypt's decision to send humanitarian aid trucks and fuel through Israel's Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza for the United Nations following a conversation between President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and President Joe Biden.

The agreement is aimed at addressing the sharp decline in U.N. aid entering Gaza since Israel's offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah on May 6. However, the effectiveness of this agreement remains uncertain as U.N. officials have expressed difficulties in reaching the Kerem Shalom crossing to collect the aid due to ongoing fighting in the area, which poses significant risks.

Egypt had previously suspended cooperation with Israel on aid entry into Gaza after Israeli forces took control of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt during the offensive. Egypt has insisted that Palestinian authorities should regain control of the Rafah crossing, as most humanitarian aid for Gaza typically comes through Egypt, with a significant portion passing through Rafah.

In a statement released on Friday, President el-Sissi's office confirmed his phone call with President Biden, where they agreed to temporarily allow trucks carrying humanitarian aid and fuel for the United Nations to pass through the Kerem Shalom crossing. The statement also highlighted that the Rafah crossing would not be reopened until a suitable legal framework is established.

The White House has expressed growing frustration with Egypt over the aid situation, with U.S. officials emphasizing the need for more aid to flow through Kerem Shalom. However, the U.N. has raised concerns about the security risks that hinder their access to the crossing to retrieve the incoming aid. Despite these challenges, commercial trucks continue to transport goods through the crossing for sale in Gaza markets.

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