Israel's intention to utilize two extra checkpoints for thorough inspections could potentially double the aid reaching the embattled Gaza Strip, as per an Israeli army statement broadcast through the messaging service X, previously known as Twitter. These checkpoints will scrutinize trucks carrying vital goods such as water, food, medical supplies, and shelter equipment.
Israel and its Ministry of Defense emphasize that aid originating from their country will not reach Gaza. Rather, the Kerem Shalom crossing, located on the Israeli-Egyptian border, and the Nitzana crossing, where Israel, Egypt, and Gaza intersect, will serve as points of inspection. Egypt remains the sole source of aid entering Gaza in this context.
The UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) reported that about one hundred aid trucks now cross into the Gaza Strip daily. Before the Israel-Hamas conflict, which erupted on October 7, around 500 aid trucks entered the region daily. This conflict was kickstarted by an unprecedented Hamas assault on Israel, involving at least hundreds of Hamas fighters who committed numerous atrocities against civilians.
Following these attacks, Israel imposed strict measures on Gaza, including airstrikes and a ground invasion. Hamas claims that over 18,200 individuals were killed during this conflict, although these figures have not been independently verified. The United Nations General Assembly is scheduled to discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza Strip on Tuesday.
Enforcement of these stricter checks on aid entering Gaza follows Hamas's extensive attacks on Israel that led to numerous casualties and hostage takings. The Islamist Palestinian organization alleges that Israel is responsible for the resulting suffering and hinted at escalating its use of social media to bypass these measures.
Israel seeks to keep a watchful eye over the provision of aid to Gaza in an attempt to ensure that the supplies are not used in violation of international law. By erecting additional checkpoints, Israel aims to tighten control over aid delivery, minimizing the risk of conflict or unrest.
