Israel to Reopen Gaza Border Crossing for Humanitarian Aid

Israel has authorized the entry of humanitarian aid into northern Gaza through the Erez checkpoint, which had been closed since the Hamas attack on October 7. This decision was made in response to international outcry over the killing of aid workers by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and weeks after the United Nations declared famine conditions in the Palestinian enclave.

According to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, “Israel will permit the temporary delivery of humanitarian aid through the port of Ashdod and the Erez checkpoint.” The office further emphasized that this increased aid is crucial to prevent a humanitarian crisis, ensure the continuation of the conflict, and achieve the war’s objectives.

The closure of the Erez crossing occurred approximately six months ago when Israel imposed a near-total blockade on Gaza. Since then, aid has been delivered either through the congested Rafah checkpoint in the southern part of the territory, along the border with Egypt, or through airdrops. However, relief groups assert that the current level of aid is only a fraction of what is required. Last month, the UN warned that up to 1.1 million people, half of Gaza’s population, are facing food insecurity.

Following the IDF’s killing of seven foreign volunteers from the relief organization World Central Kitchen in a three-stage drone strike, international pressure on Israel intensified. The Israeli military attributed the killings to “misidentification” and pledged to conduct an investigation.

In a phone call on Thursday, US President Joe Biden urged Netanyahu to take specific, concrete, and measurable actions to address civilian harm, alleviate humanitarian suffering, and ensure the safety of aid workers, as stated by the White House.

Netanyahu has rejected calls to halt the advance towards Rafah, stating that Israel must eliminate Hamas fighters in the area. Speaking at an event in Jerusalem last week, he stressed that the IDF had to enter Rafah for the country’s survival, according to CNN.

After Palestinian militants attacked Israeli cities on October 7, Israel declared war on Hamas, leading to around 1,100 casualties and over 200 people being captured. Local officials have stated that over 30,000 Palestinians have died during Israel’s military actions in Gaza.