Israel to reopen Gaza aid crossing to allow 'gradual' entry of humanitarian aid
France 24
by FRANCE 24March 3, 2026
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Israel announced plans to gradually reopen the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza on Tuesday, allowing humanitarian aid to flow into the territory after a week-long closure due to security concerns tied to escalating tensions with Iran. The move follows heavy strikes in Iran by Israel and the U.S., which triggered retaliatory actions from Tehran. COGAT, Israel's defense ministry body responsible for Palestinian civil affairs, stated that the decision was based on a security assessment.
The Kerem Shalom crossing, controlled by Israel and located at the intersection of Gaza, Israel, and Egypt, had been shut down along with other border points in Gaza as part of broader "security" measures. This closure came amid heightened regional tensions, including U.S. President Donald Trump's warning of a potential prolonged conflict with Iran and the ongoing conflict involving Lebanon.
The Rafah crossing, which connects Gaza to Egypt and is the only gateway not under Israeli control, was previously reopened in February for people movement but remains restricted for goods. The reopening of Kerem Shalom is seen as a critical step to alleviate humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where supplies have been severely limited since the closure. International organizations have expressed concerns over the impact on civilians already facing severe shortages due to ongoing conflicts and sanctions.
This development comes amid heightened regional instability, with Iran and its allies launching attacks against Israel and Gulf states hosting U.S. bases. The situation has drawn global attention, with experts warning of potential further escalations in the region. The gradual resumption of aid flow through Kerem Shalom is expected to provide some relief to Gaza's residents but also highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing security concerns with humanitarian needs.
For readers interested in world affairs, this situation underscores the delicate balance between geopolitical tensions and humanitarian crises. It also raises questions about the long-term stability of the region and the potential for further escalations involving major powers like the U.S., Iran, and Israel. The reopening of the crossing offers a glimmer of hope for Gaza's civilians but
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Originally published on France 24 on 3/3/2026