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Israeli authorities have reopened the Kerem Shalom border crossing in the southern Gaza Strip, allowing humanitarian aid to enter the Palestinian enclave. According to Palestinian Red Crescent officials, the first trucks have entered Kerem Shalom, with around 200 trucks expected to enter, including four tankers with fuel. The entry of these trucks has been confirmed by Egyptian media, who reported that they are connecting Israeli territory with the Gaza Strip at the southern edge of the enclave.
The reopening of the border crossing is a result of an agreement reached between US president Joe Biden and Egyptian president Abdel Fattá al Sisi last Friday. Under this agreement, over 2,000 trucks with humanitarian aid entered via Israel and passed through Kerem Shalom last week. This aid either arrived by boat to Israel or came from Jordan before being transported by land to Gaza. The Israeli Armed Forces reported that these trucks carried essential supplies such as medical equipment, food, and water for Palestinians living in Gaza.
The reopening of Kerem Shalom is a positive step towards easing restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza. However, it is important to note that tensions remain high between Israel and Hamas, who control Gaza. Despite this agreement reached between Biden and Sisi, there are concerns about whether it will be enough to sustain peace in the region for an extended period.
