Israeli forces have reported a series of rocket attacks targeting the Kerem Shalom crossing, a vital link for aid operations in Gaza, with the latest incident causing minor injuries to an Israeli soldier. The attacks have prompted closures and disruptions, raising concerns about humanitarian access in the region.
The Israeli army stated that eight rockets were launched from the Rafah area into Kerem Shalom, resulting in a soldier sustaining light injuries. This follows a previous closure of the crossing after a Hamas rocket attack claimed the lives of four soldiers and another rocket launch targeted the crossing.
Despite the challenges, efforts to resume aid operations have begun, with trucks carrying essential supplies from Egypt reaching the Kerem Shalom crossing. However, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) noted that the Rafah crossing, crucial for fuel supplies, remains closed, affecting the distribution of humanitarian aid.
UNRWA spokeswoman Juliette Touma emphasized the significance of the Rafah crossing for fuel imports, which are essential for aid distribution. The closure has led to fuel rationing, impacting daily operations and highlighting the urgent need for access to fuel supplies.
The United States, a strong ally of Israel, has also called for the reopening of both the Kerem Shalom and Rafah crossings to ensure uninterrupted humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The ongoing closures underscore the complex challenges in maintaining aid operations amidst security concerns in the region.
Sources By Agencies
