Israel to open new border crossing in northern Gaza to increase aid delivery

Israel’s wartime Cabinet approved the opening of a key border crossing in northern Gaza as pressure has mounted for the region to get more critical humanitarian aid access to struggling Palestinians.

The government will take immediate steps to open the Erez border crossing in northern Gaza, according to a statement from Israel’s prime minister’s office shared by Israeli media channels.

“This increased aid will prevent a humanitarian crisis and is necessary to ensure the continuation of the fighting and to achieve the goals of the war,” according to the statement.

The Erez checkpoint will be the third open access point for aid deliveries in Gaza after the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Israel and another at the border with Egypt in the city of Rafah, where more than a million Palestinians are sheltering from the war.

The Israeli government will also increase the amount of “Jordanian aid through Kerem Shalom,” according to the statement.

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has claimed the wartime Cabinet did not approve the opening of a new crossing, according to a statement shared by Israeli media channels. Ben-Gvir, a far-right politician, has been opposed to sending more aid to Gaza, raising concerns about equipment landing in the hands of Hamas.

On Thursday, White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson welcomed the steps by the Israeli government, stating they “must now be fully and rapidly implemented.”

“As the President said today on the call, U.S. policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by our assessment of Israel’s immediate action on these and other steps, including steps to protect innocent civilians and the safety of aid workers,” the White House said in a press release.

“We are prepared to work in full coordination with the Government of Israel, the Governments of Jordan and Egypt, the United Nations, and humanitarian organizations, to ensure that these important steps are implemented and result in a significant increase in humanitarian assistance reaching civilians in dire need throughout Gaza over the coming days and weeks.”

The apparent move to open Erez comes after significant pressure on Israel from the U.S. and the international community to get more humanitarian aid into the besieged strip.

The United Nations is warning of famine in northern Gaza as Palestinians are struggling to access basic needs like food and water amid Israel’s war against Hamas.

President Biden, who has pressed for more humanitarian aid into Gaza, called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to discuss his concerns about the war, including the need for a cease-fire and a hostage release deal. Hamas is holding some 100 hostages believed to still be alive in Gaza.

Biden has ordered the U.S. military to airdrop aid into Gaza, while the Pentagon is also overseeing an effort to build a pier off the coast of the strip to facilitate more aid.

But critics say that is not enough and there is no substitute for land crossings, making the new entry point crucial for Palestinians in Gaza.

Israel has also been accused of slow-walking aid deliveries into Gaza and turning back trucks, while some Palestinians have also accused the military of attacking aid convoys.

Israel came under intense criticism this week after a Monday strike killed seven aid workers from the charity aid group World Central Kitchen, which has since suspended operations in Gaza.

Updated at 8:38 p.m.