Israel reopened the Erez crossing at the northern edge of the Gaza Strip on Wednesday. This crossing is crucial as it allows aid trucks to pass through, addressing the growing humanitarian crisis in the region.
The decision to reopen the crossing came after US demands for more action to tackle the worsening situation.
The closure of the Erez crossing had been a significant concern for international aid agencies for months. The humanitarian crisis, particularly in the northern sector of Gaza, where hunger is severe among hundreds of thousands of civilians, prompted urgent calls for action.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Israel coincided with the reopening of the Erez crossing. Blinken emphasized the need for increased humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza during his meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Erez crossing, mainly used for foot traffic, had been closed since it was destroyed during Hamas attacks in October last year, which initiated the war. Communities in Gaza’s northern region were heavily impacted by the conflict, facing widespread destruction and difficulties in accessing essential supplies like food and medicine.
Israel’s decision to reopen the crossing follows international pressure, including condemnation of Israeli airstrikes that killed humanitarian workers delivering aid in Gaza. The US, as Israel’s close ally, linked further support for Israel with improvements in aid access to Gaza.
Colonel Moshe Tetro, head of Israel’s Coordination and Liaison Administration for Gaza, expressed hope that the crossing would operate daily and facilitate the entry of 500 aid trucks into Gaza. This level of aid delivery aims to match pre-war levels and significantly increase support to the enclave.
Despite the reopening, challenges persist. A convoy of Jordanian aid trucks bound for the Erez crossing faced an attack by Israeli settlers. However, the trucks managed to proceed, according to Jordan’s foreign ministry.
The risk of famine in war-devastated Gaza remains high, with the United Nations and US special envoy for humanitarian issues calling for urgent action to address the crisis. The UN has consistently highlighted obstacles to aid distribution in Gaza since the onset of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
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