jordan pulse -
The Israeli authorities announced on Wednesday the reopening of the Kerem Shalom border crossing, which is used to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, after it was closed for four days following a rocket attack that resulted in the killing and wounding of four soldiers.
The Israeli army, in a joint statement with “COGAT” (the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories, which is part of the Israeli military and oversees the entry of aid), said, “Trucks coming from Egypt have already reached the crossing,” noting that they “carry humanitarian aid, including food, water, shelter equipment, medicine, and medical equipment donated by the international community.”
The statement added that “after the inspection of the aid, it will be transferred to the Gaza side of the crossing.” The statement also mentioned that the Beit Hanoun crossing continues to operate to deliver aid to the Palestinian territories.
The Kerem Shalom crossing leading to Gaza was closed after a rocket attack on Sunday claimed by the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, which led to the death of four soldiers and injured more than ten others.
The Israeli army said that the rockets were launched from an area adjacent to the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, and thereafter, they penetrated there and took control of the Rafah crossing with Egypt on Tuesday.
The United Nations, relief agencies, and Washington criticized the closure of these crossings, which are considered a lifeline for delivering vital humanitarian aid to Gaza, where relief agencies have repeatedly warned of an impending famine as the war on Gaza intensifies.