Israel's security cabinet has given the green light for the reopening of the Erez crossing between Israel and northern Gaza, marking the first time since the October 7 Hamas attacks. The decision aims to facilitate the entry of more humanitarian aid into Gaza, as confirmed by an Israeli official.
In addition to reopening Erez crossing, the cabinet has also approved the utilization of the Israeli Port of Ashdod to enhance the transfer of aid to Gaza, addressing the pressing humanitarian needs in the region.
This move comes amidst growing international condemnation following Israeli airstrikes that resulted in the tragic deaths of seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen in Gaza. While Israel has acknowledged its role in the incident, it maintains that the attack was not deliberate.
US President Joe Biden expressed his concerns about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He urged Israel to take immediate actions to alleviate the crisis or face potential consequences.
Since the October 7 attacks, the Gaza Ministry of Health reports that over 32,916 individuals have lost their lives due to Israel's siege on Gaza. This has exacerbated a severe humanitarian crisis, with nearly three-quarters of the population in northern Gaza facing alarming levels of food insecurity, according to a report supported by the United Nations.
Despite the reopening of Erez crossing, land crossings into Gaza, crucial for the delivery of essential aid, remain heavily restricted by Israel. Aid agencies have accused Israel of impeding the flow of relief into the war-torn territory, although Israel asserts that there are no limits on the amount of aid that can enter.
Prior to the conflict, Israel tightly controlled all access points to and from Gaza by sea, air, and land. The enclave had two operational crossings with Israel - Erez for human movement and Kerem Shalom for goods. Additionally, Gaza has a crossing with Egypt at Rafah, managed by Egyptian authorities but monitored by Israel.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has vowed to cut off the supply of essential resources, including electricity, food, water, and fuel to Gaza in response to the October 7 attacks by Hamas militants. However, following international pressure, aid began trickling in through Rafah at the end of October, with Israel gradually permitting aid trucks to pass through Kerem Shalom in late December, albeit at reduced rates compared to pre-war levels.
