In a significant development, Egypt and Israel have reached an agreement to allow humanitarian aid trucks to enter the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing. The decision comes after weeks of tensions and border closures that have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave.
According to reports, about 200 aid trucks, including fuel trucks, are expected to enter Gaza on Sunday through the Kerem Shalom crossing. The Egyptian Red Crescent Society has confirmed that these trucks will be carrying much-needed supplies for the people of Gaza who have been facing catastrophic levels of hunger and are on the brink of famine.
The Rafah border crossing, which was previously the main entry point for humanitarian aid and commercial supplies into Gaza, has been shut for almost three weeks. Israel took control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing as it intensified its military offensive in Gaza on May 6.
Egypt and the United States have agreed to send aid via Israel's nearby Kerem Shalom crossing until legal arrangements are made to reopen Rafah from the Palestinian side. The UN has stated that 1.1 million people in Gaza face catastrophic levels of hunger, and the territory is on the brink of famine.
Judges at the top United Nations court have ordered Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah to prevent physical destruction of the Palestinian group in Gaza. However, it remains unclear how this ruling will be enforced as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied other requests for Israel to scale back its operations.
This agreement between Egypt and Israel is a positive step towards alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It is crucial that all parties involved work together to ensure the safe and unhindered delivery of aid to those in need.