Israeli Military Reopens Kerem Shalom Crossing into Gaza
No Humanitarian Aid Received Yet Amidst Worker Exodus
JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli military announced on Wednesday the reopening of the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza after days of closure. However, despite the resumption of operations, the United Nations reported that no humanitarian aid has entered the Palestinian side yet due to the workers fleeing during Israel’s military incursion in the area.
Important Crossing Closed Following Hamas Rocket Attack
The Kerem Shalom crossing, a critical terminal for essential supplies for Gaza’s population of 2.3 million Palestinians, was shut down over the weekend following a Hamas rocket attack that killed four Israeli soldiers nearby. Additionally, the nearby Rafah crossing towards Egypt was seized by an Israeli tank brigade, prompting its closure as well.
Worsening of the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
While the Israeli foray into Rafah was not a full-scale invasion as previously promised, the prolonged closure of the Kerem Shalom and Rafah crossings threatens aid operations and exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in the region. The UN has already warned of a “full-blown famine” underway in the north.
United States Involvement and Cease-Fire Efforts
The United States temporarily halted a shipment of bombs to Israel last week amidst concerns that Israel was on the brink of launching a full-scale assault on Rafah. The U.S. has voiced its concerns for the fate of the 1.3 million Palestinians in Rafah, the majority of whom were displaced by the conflict. Efforts are being made by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar to negotiate a temporary cease-fire and the release of Israeli hostages. The fate of these negotiations hangs on the possible operation in Rafah.
Israel’s Control of Gaza’s Crossings
With the seizure of Rafah, Israel now has complete control over all of Gaza’s crossings for the first time in nearly two decades. While Israel has maintained a blockade in cooperation with Egypt, the Rafah crossing has served as a vital conduit for humanitarian aid and the only gateway for people to enter and exit Gaza. Kerem Shalom, on the other hand, serves as Gaza’s main cargo terminal.
Vital Aid Unreceived and Restricted Access
Reports of sporadic explosions and gunfire in the Rafah crossing area, including launches towards the Kerem Shalom crossing, surfaced overnight. The Kerem Shalom crossing was reopened early on Wednesday, according to COGAT, the Israeli military body overseeing Palestinian civilian affairs. Nevertheless, as of midday Wednesday, no aid had entered, resulting in the UNRWA having to ration fuel imported through Rafah.
As a result, 46 patients and wounded individuals scheduled to leave for medical treatment were left stranded, as stated by Gaza’s Health Ministry. While some restrictions have been lifted and an additional crossing has been opened in northern Gaza under pressure from the United States, UN agencies and aid groups have raised concerns about the severe repercussions of the Rafah closure. Northern Gaza is already facing a “full-blown famine,” according to the UN.
Earlier this week, 60 aid trucks entered Gaza through the northern crossing, a significant decrease compared to the 500 trucks per day before the conflict. The war started when Hamas militants breached Israel’s defenses, leading to numerous casualties and abductions. The conflict has resulted in the displacement of 80% of Gaza’s population and extensive destruction.
Balance of Power and U.S. Aid to Israel
The United States has been an important military ally of Israel and has increased its aid to the country since the conflict began. However, a paused shipment of bombs raised concerns regarding their potential use in densely populated urban areas. Discussions are ongoing about proceeding with the shipment. The U.S. has shared its support for a diplomatic solution and has advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against invading Rafah. However, Netanyahu’s coalition partners from the far-right have threatened to withdraw support if he deviates from their offensive plans or makes significant concessions during the cease-fire talks.
For more updates on the Israel-Hamas war, visit https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war.
