Israel Announces Additional Checkpoints for Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
Israel has announced the opening of two additional checkpoints to examine and dispatch humanitarian aid supplies to Gaza through the Rafah gateway. This move comes as international aid organizations have been struggling to deliver supplies to the desperate population in Gaza, with only the Rafah crossing in Egypt currently open for aid shipments.
The Israeli army stated that no new direct crossings will be opened, but the Nitzana and Kerem Shalom crossings will be utilized to conduct security screenings before sending the trucks through Rafah. The purpose of these additional checkpoints is to improve the volume of security screenings and double the amount of humanitarian aid entering Gaza.
Since the week-long truce ended on December 1, only around 100 trucks per day have been able to bring humanitarian supplies from Egypt into Gaza, compared to a daily average of 500 before the war, according to the UN humanitarian agency OCHA. This limited access has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The newly established checkpoints will screen trucks containing essential items such as water, food, medical supplies, and shelter equipment. However, it is important to note that no supplies will be entering Gaza from Israel; they will only be allowed through via Egypt.
The United Nations General Assembly is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This meeting comes after the United States vetoed a Security Council resolution for a cease-fire last week. The international community is increasingly concerned about the escalating violence and the devastating impact it is having on the civilian population.
The war in Gaza has resulted in heavy urban battles, making it the bloodiest conflict in the region. As of now, more than 18,200 Palestinians and 104 Israeli soldiers have been reported dead. The assault on Gaza was triggered by a bloody attack launched by Hamas, the ruling party in Gaza, on southern Israel on October 7. Israeli officials estimate that the attack resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people, mostly civilians.
The opening of additional checkpoints for humanitarian aid is a step in the right direction to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza. The increased volume of security screenings will ensure that essential supplies reach those who need them the most. However, it is crucial for the international community to continue advocating for a comprehensive and lasting solution to the conflict in Gaza.
The United Nations and other international organizations must work together to address the root causes of the crisis and promote peace and stability in the region. This includes supporting efforts for a cease-fire, facilitating negotiations between Israel and Hamas, and providing long-term assistance for the reconstruction and development of Gaza.
While the opening of additional checkpoints is a positive development, it is essential to address the underlying issues that have led to the current humanitarian crisis. The people of Gaza deserve a future free from violence and hardship, and it is the responsibility of the international community to work towards achieving this goal.