Egypt, U.S. agree to send aid, fuel via Israel as Rafah crossing remains closed (2024)

This liveblog has ended, click here for updates from day 232 of the war.

Here's what you need to know after day 231 of the war:

■ Egypt and the U.S. agreed to temporarily send humanitarian aid, fuel to the UN via Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza, coordinating with Israel to begin deliveries Friday night.

■ The IDF announced that around 20 rockets were launched from Lebanon towards the Upper Galilee and that several falls were detected in the communities of Dov and Manara that caused damage. There were no casualties reported.

■ U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Israeli Minister Benny Gantz on Friday, the U.S. State Department said, reiterating President Joe Biden's position on Rafah operation, and the two spoke about tensions in the West Bank.

■ Israeli Ambassador to Brussels said that two airsoft grenades were launched at the embassy, no one was hurt.

■ Netanyahu's office said South Africa's allegations against Israel are 'false, outrageous and disgusting.'

■ The Palestinian Authority agreed with Egypt on Friday on temporarily sending humanitarian aid to Gaza through Israel's Kerem Shalom crossing until an agreement is reached to reopen the Rafah crossing, a statement issued by the Palestinian presidency said on the official Palestinian news agency, WAFA.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated President Joe Biden's position on "a major Rafah operation" when he spoke with Israeli Minister Benny Gantz on Friday, the U.S. State Department said.

According to State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller, Blinken "underscored the urgent need to protect civilians and aid workers in Gaza and de-escalate tensions in the West Bank."

Blinken also discussed the importance of Israel and Egypt concluding talks to reopen the Rafah crossing as soon as possible, the department said in a statement.

Hostile aircraft intrusion alarms were activated in multiple towns northern Israel, including Avivim and Yir'un.

Reuben Yablonka, father of Hanan Yablonka whose body was retrieved from the Gaza Strip, said in an interview on Channel 12 that no one from the government contacted him.

"It's hard for us and no one called," he said. Journalist Guy Peleg responded that "later you will see a report on [Transport Minister] Miri Regev that she's quite capable of calling every Likud member on their birthday. They are capable of calling when they want to."

Yablonka replied, "maybe I should be a Liked member, then everyone would call me. The prime minister can't call? Are we hundreds? It's three families, make a call, send a telegram."