An Israeli official has announced the opening of the crossing to facilitate the entry of more humanitarian aid into the blockaded Gaza Strip. Additionally, the Israeli cabinet has approved the use of the Port of Ashdod to assist in transferring additional aid to Gaza.
This decision follows remarks made by US President Joe Biden, who, during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, criticized the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and urged Israel to take action to alleviate the crisis.
The Erez crossing, a pedestrian passageway, was among the border points breached by Hamas fighters on October 7 during their attack on Israel, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages.
The specifics of the reopening plan are yet to be clarified. Aid deliveries through Gaza’s southern border crossings have thus far been insufficient in addressing the widespread suffering in the region.
The United Nations cautiously welcomed the news of the reopening, emphasizing the need for a humanitarian ceasefire and a substantial increase in aid distribution.
UNRWA, the principal aid agency for Gaza, has faced limitations imposed by Israel, particularly in the northern areas where famine risks are highest and cases of starvation have been reported.
Since January, residents of northern Gaza have been surviving on an average of just 245 calories a day, according to Oxfam.
The announcement coincides with international outrage over Israeli strikes that resulted in the deaths of seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen in Gaza. While Israel acknowledged responsibility for the deaths, it maintains that the attack was not intentional.
Israel’s blockade of Gaza since the October 7 attacks has led to a significant loss of life and a severe humanitarian crisis, with a large portion of the population suffering from extreme hunger, according to a UN-backed report.
Land crossings into Gaza, the primary entry points for vital aid, have been heavily restricted by Israel, with aid agencies accusing Israel of limiting relief access to the territory. Israel, however, claims there are no restrictions on aid entry.
Prior to the conflict, Israel tightly controlled access to Gaza by sea, air, and land, with only two functional crossings: Erez for people and Kerem Shalom for goods.
Despite Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s threat to cut off essential supplies to Gaza, aid has begun to trickle in through the Rafah crossing with Egypt and Kerem Shalom following pressure from the US.
However, the flow of aid remains insufficient, leaving the entire population of Gaza without adequate food, with half on the verge of starvation, and famine projected to hit the north between mid-March and May, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).
In the aftermath of Israeli airstrikes killing aid workers, organizations like the World Central Kitchen have suspended operations in Gaza.