Israel reopened the Zikim Crossing in northern Gaza on Wednesday, allowing humanitarian aid trucks to enter the enclave, according to COGAT, the Israeli military unit responsible for coordinating civilian and aid flows. The move comes after calls from U.N. agencies for increased aid deliveries following last month’s Israel-Hamas ceasefire.
The crossing had been closed since September 12, leaving northern Gaza largely cut off from essential supplies. While some aid has reached the north via southern entry points, reports of famine in northern Gaza City and surrounding areas have underscored the urgent need for reopening Zikim.
Why It Matters
The reopening is crucial for delivering food, medicine, and other humanitarian assistance to a population that has faced months of restricted access. Northern Gaza, heavily impacted by the conflict and blockade, remains particularly vulnerable. Without secure and consistent entry points, aid agencies struggle to respond to mounting hunger and medical crises.
Official Statements
COGAT said the crossing was reopened “in accordance with a directive of the political echelon.” Aid deliveries will be managed by U.N. and international organizations, following security inspections by Israel’s Land Crossings Authority. Israel’s military has not provided an explanation for the prolonged closure of Zikim.
What’s Next
Humanitarian agencies will begin transferring aid to northern Gaza, prioritizing famine-affected areas. The effectiveness of this reopening depends on continued access and security coordination, as well as the potential reopening of additional crossings if the humanitarian situation worsens.
With information from Reuters.
