Israel opened the Western Erez crossing on Sunday, aiming to facilitate aid delivery. The United Nations expresses optimism regarding a new crossing from Israel to Gaza, hoping it will enable a steady flow of aid into the northern part of Gaza. Scott Anderson, deputy head of the Palestinian refugee agency, sees the entry of 36 flour trucks on Sunday as a positive development.
Anderson hopes this Western Erez route will establish a sustainable aid route, particularly benefiting the population in northern Gaza, where food and essential supplies are most scarce due to recent fighting.
The situation in southern Gaza, where most Palestinians have sought refuge, is worsening. Israel’s military actions have impacted aid routes, with crossings being closed or becoming dangerous to navigate.
The UN urges all parties to ensure the safety of help convoys and staff, emphasizing the need for a secure corridor to the Kerem Shalom crossing. Despite challenges, the UN continues to track and assist displaced Palestinians in Gaza, who are facing dire conditions amid the ongoing conflict.
Despite warnings from international allies, Israel instructed Palestinians in eastern Rafah to evacuate, leading to the closure of aid routes via Egypt. The only remaining entry point in the south, Kerem Shalom, reopened but poses risks due to the conflict. The UN stresses the importance of a secure access corridor to ensure the safety of aid operations. The situation for displaced Palestinians is dire, with hundreds of thousands seeking shelter in makeshift camps lacking basic infrastructure. Al-Mawasi and parts of Khan Younis are overwhelmed, as they depend on trucked-in supplies for food and water. Infrastructure in these areas is still recovering from previous Israeli military operations.
The conflict in Gaza intensified after Hamas’s attack on southern Israel in October. Israeli authorities report casualties and hostage situations, while Hamas-run health ministries report thousands killed and injured. The situation remains volatile, with humanitarian aid crucial for addressing the escalating crisis in Gaza.
