In a bid to prevent a looming humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, Israel has announced that it will permit the temporary delivery of humanitarian aid through the Ashdod port and the Erez checkpoint. This decision marks the reopening of the Erez crossing, which had been closed since the October 7 attacks that triggered the conflict.
The statement from the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office came shortly after a warning from US President Joe Biden, urging for action to address the pressing humanitarian situation in Gaza.
“The increased aid will prevent a humanitarian crisis and is necessary to ensure the continuation of efforts in the conflict and to achieve the war’s objectives,” the statement emphasized.
This move follows mounting international pressure on Israel after it admitted responsibility for an attack that resulted in the deaths of seven aid workers.
During a tense, half-hour phone call with Netanyahu, President Biden underscored that US policy towards Gaza would be shaped by “specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers,” as outlined in a White House statement.
As outlined in Israel’s announcement, in addition to allowing humanitarian aid through the Erez border crossing and the Ashdod port, located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Gaza, authorities will also permit “increased Jordanian aid through Kerem Shalom,” a southern border crossing in Israel.
These measures are aimed at providing essential relief to the vulnerable population in the Gaza Strip, which has been grappling with severe shortages and deteriorating conditions amidst the conflict.
