The US State Department, through spokesperson Matthew Miller, addressed the impact of the closure of key crossings, Kerem Shalom and Rafah, on the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza during the Israeli offensive. Miller highlighted that the closure of these crossings has disrupted the main entry points for aid deliveries, creating concerns regarding the humanitarian situation in the region, particularly considering the near-famine-like conditions.
Miller clarified that the closure of Kerem Shalom and Rafah was not solely due to actions by Israel but was also related to bombings by Hamas, underscoring the complexity of the situation. He emphasized the crucial role these crossings play in facilitating the delivery of fuel, desalinization of water, delivery of humanitarian assistance, and operation of essential services like bakeries to meet the population's needs in Gaza. The spokesperson stressed the urgency of reopening the crossings promptly to maintain the flow of aid supplies and ensure access for humanitarian workers engaged in vital tasks within Gaza.
Furthermore, Miller highlighted the significance of Rafah as an entry point for humanitarian workers and an exit point for individuals leaving the region, emphasizing that its reopening is crucial not only for aid delivery but also for enabling the movement of personnel essential for ongoing humanitarian efforts. The escalation of tensions with multiple airstrikes in Rafah, resulting in casualties, underscores the heightened challenges faced by the civilian population in Gaza amid the conflict. The closure of the Kerem Shalom crossing, a primary route for supplies into Gaza, has had a significant impact on aid convoys and worsened the already severe humanitarian situation in the besieged territory.