Israel to Open Erez Crossing and Ashdod Port for Aid Relief in Gaza
In a significant move, Israel has announced the opening of the Erez crossing to northern Gaza, where starvation is most acute, and the Ashdod deep water port to the north. However, details on when and how these routes will operate are yet to be provided.
The decision to open these routes follows the killing of seven aid workers by the Israeli military on April 1, which prompted the US to urge Israel to prevent civilian harm and humanitarian suffering to maintain US support.
Aid agencies and foreign officials have long been advocating for more crossings to be opened and for the use of Ashdod, stating that this could significantly alleviate hunger in Gaza. Israel has also stated that it will allow more aid from Jordan to enter the region.
Jan Egeland from the Norwegian Refugee Council described the move as a turning point, expecting aid to flow freely and a protection scheme for civilians, including aid workers, to be put in place following US President Joe Biden’s call to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to open up.
The number of food trucks entering through the already operational crossings in southern Gaza saw a sharp increase after Israel’s announcement, with 419 aid trucks entering on April 8, including 330 carrying food – more than double the daily average in March.
While the Erez crossing to northern Gaza remains closed, Israeli officials have not specified when it will open as promised.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized that Israel has no more excuses to delay aid getting into Gaza and expects the Israeli government to implement its announcements swiftly.
Ashdod port, located 32km north of Gaza, is one of Israel’s main cargo ports capable of handling over 1.5 million containers annually.
Previously restricted for aid delivery, the port will now play a crucial role in facilitating aid into Gaza. The Erez crossing, being the closest to Ashdod, is a vital link for aid distribution between Israel and northern Gaza.
Despite these developments, the details regarding the timing, quantities, and types of aid permitted to enter Gaza, as well as the distribution mechanism, are yet to be disclosed.
The dire conditions in Gaza have led to deadly violence during aid delivery, with reports of shootings at Palestinians gathering for aid distribution. The UN has warned of starvation and looming famine, stressing the urgent need for food aid to enter Gaza.
Israel’s strict security checks on aid entering Gaza have faced criticism for causing delays, while aid organizations accuse Israel of hindering aid distribution. The breakdown of social order and destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure have further complicated aid delivery.
Efforts to deliver aid via alternative routes like air drops have also faced challenges, with reports of casualties during the process. While countries like the US, Jordan, and others have conducted air drops, aid groups highlight that this method is a last resort and cannot fully meet the demand for aid.
Despite the challenges, the international community continues to work towards providing essential aid to Gaza, aiming to alleviate the suffering of the people in the region.
**US Drops 742 Tons of Aid in Gaza, as Humanitarian Efforts Face Challenges**
In a recent update from US Central Command (Centcom), it was revealed that a staggering 742 tons of humanitarian assistance has been dropped in Gaza. However, the journey of this aid has not been without obstacles.
**Aid Schemes at Sea Face Israeli Military Attack**
Two schemes were put in place to deliver food and aid to Gaza by sea, but only one has been operational. Unfortunately, this operation was abruptly paused after the Israeli military attacked the aid agency, WCK, which was unloading and distributing aid from a makeshift jetty constructed from rubble.
**WCK’s Efforts to Feed Gaza**
Last month, WCK successfully delivered 200 tons of food via the first vessel from Cyprus, the nearest EU country to Gaza. WCK boss José Andrés reported that 67 WCK kitchens were up and running in Gaza, providing meals for an astounding 350,000 people daily.
**US Military’s Plan for Massive Aid Delivery**
Simultaneously, a US military plan is in motion, with a navy ship en route to Gaza carrying materials to construct a floating dock and pier. This development aims to facilitate the unloading of supplies from larger cargo ships, potentially allowing for two million meals a day to enter Gaza.
**Challenges and Bloodshed**
Despite these efforts, challenges persist. The delivery of aid has been hindered by various factors, including delays in infrastructure development. Furthermore, confrontations and tragic incidents, such as the deadly clash on Al-Rashid Street in Gaza City, have marred humanitarian efforts.
As the world watches, the struggle to provide essential aid to Gaza continues amidst ongoing conflicts and logistical hurdles.
