In a crucial development to address the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the United States and Israel have reached an agreement to allow humanitarian aid into the territory. Following nine hours of intense negotiations, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the plan, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring the aid reaches the civilians in need, while also addressing Israeli concerns about Hamas interference. Blinken stated that if Hamas blocks or seizes the aid, the US will vehemently condemn their actions and work to prevent it from happening again.

President Joe Biden is expected to visit Israel after having extensive discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his war cabinet. During the visit, Biden intends to understand Israel's approach to minimize civilian casualties while facilitating the flow of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, without benefiting Hamas.

Relief convoys, which have been waiting for days in Egypt, are now directed towards the Rafah border crossing, the entry point to the besieged Palestinian enclave. However, it remains uncertain when they will be allowed to pass through, as Israel has targeted the border crossing in recent days. Aid officials are grappling with the logistical challenges of safely crossing the border amidst the ongoing conflict.

The dire situation in Gaza is exacerbated by overwhelmed hospitals, shortage of medical supplies, strict rationing of food and water, and a complete lack of electricity for the two million inhabitants. The United Nations has issued a warning that if aid does not arrive soon, thousands of lives will be lost. Additionally, the UN has reported that there are only four or five days of food stocks remaining in shops.

President Biden's upcoming visit to Israel holds significant importance as it signals unwavering US support for its top Middle East ally. The timing of the visit coincides with Israel's plans to escalate its offensive against Hamas fighters, which has triggered the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As the death toll on the Israeli side rises to 1,400 people, Israel has intensified its blockade on Hamas-ruled Gaza, including fuel restrictions, and conducted relentless air raids that have claimed the lives of over 2,800 Palestinians and displaced hundreds of thousands more.

According to Al Jazeera's Safwat Kahlout, the latest Israeli bombardments overnight on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of at least 71 individuals, primarily in Khan Younis, Rafah, and Deir el-Balah. Many of the victims are families who heeded Israel's evacuation orders from Gaza City and the northern region. The targeted buildings have left numerous people trapped under the rubble, awaiting rescue, while ambulances continue to transport the injured to already overcrowded hospitals.

The world anxiously awaits the swift implementation of the aid plan to alleviate the suffering of the Gazan population and prevent further loss of life. The visit of President Biden to Israel, coupled with the commitment from the United States to prevent Hamas from obstructing the aid, offers a glimmer of hope in this grave situation.