Israel’s security cabinet has recently approved the reopening of the Erez crossing between Israel and northern Gaza, marking the first time the crossing has been opened since Hamas attacks on October 7. This decision will allow for more humanitarian aid to enter the blockaded Gaza Strip and also enable the use of the Israeli Port of Ashdod to transfer aid.
The United Nations cautiously welcomed this development, emphasizing the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire and a significant increase in the influx of aid to Gaza. However, the UN’s Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) remains restricted in parts of Gaza.
Israel has acknowledged its responsibility for the deaths of seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen in Gaza, though the country maintains that these deaths were not intentional. US President Joe Biden has warned Israel to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza or face consequences.
The ongoing siege of Gaza by Israel has resulted in a dire humanitarian situation, with nearly three-quarters of the population in northern Gaza facing catastrophic levels of hunger. Land crossings into Gaza continue to be heavily restricted, with aid agencies accusing Israel of impeding the entry of relief into the territory.
Aid has slowly begun to trickle into Gaza through the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings following the October 7 attacks, but at rates significantly lower than pre-war levels. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), famine is projected to hit northern Gaza between mid-March and May.
In light of Israeli airstrikes that killed aid workers, the World Central Kitchen and other aid organizations have announced the suspension of their operations in Gaza. The situation remains tense as efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza struggle to make headway.
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