Gaza: humanitarian aid halted after Iran attack. Kerem Shalom crossing will reopen tomorrow

As the conflict widens in the Middle East, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is in danger of fading into the background. Since the beginning of the new military confrontation with Iran, the Israeli authorities have blocked the entry crossings into the Strip, after the progress of the last few months. In the coming days, according to Israeli statements, the flow of humanitarian aid should resume.

According to Amjad Al-Shawa, a Palestinian leader working with several NGOs operating in the Strip, fuel reserves are running low and the availability of various foodstuffs is also at risk in the event of a prolonged closure. COGAT, the Israeli army department that controls access to Gaza, reported that since the October truce enough food has been delivered to sustain the population. According to Israel, 'existing supplies are sufficient for an extended period'.

In this context, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Israel to reopen the border crossings into Gaza to allow aid to flow into the war-torn territory, according to his spokesman Stéphane Dujarric. "The Israeli authorities have closed all crossings, including Rafah, and have suspended humanitarian movements in areas where Israeli troops remain deployed in and around Gaza," Dujarric said, adding that it is "imperative that all crossings are reopened as soon as possible."

On Wednesday, 4 March, the Kerem Shalom crossing is scheduled to be reopened, according to COGAT, which will allow "the gradual entry of humanitarian aid". The reopening will be coordinated with the US Civil and Military Coordination Centre (CMCC). This entrance had been closed on Saturday when Israel and the US began striking Iran. The decision to reopen it was made "in accordance with a security assessment", the IDF department said.