For the first time since October 7, Israel reopened the Erez Crossing into Gaza to allow 30 trucks carrying food and medical supplies from Jordan to reach the northern part of the Strip.
On the northern border of Gaza, it is the only crossing. It was the only place for pedestrians to cross before the war. Prior to the October 7 attacks, trucks utilized the Kerem Shalom crossing at the southern end of the Strip, although it was mostly used by foreign people such as diplomats, journalists, and charity workers, as well as Palestinians with work or medical licenses.
The entry of humanitarian aid through the Erez Crossing was made possible after engineering work was carried out in the area by the Engineering Units and additional IDF forces. Using engineering tools, the renewed crossing was built, having previously been used only as a civilian crossing.
Significant supplies of aid were able to enter the northern part of the Gaza Strip when the troops paved roads on both the Israeli and Gaza sides of the border and built infrastructure for inspection and protection.
The largest tunnel discovered in Gaza was demolished by Israeli forces in March. It was located next to Moshav Netiv HaAsara and led up to the Erez border crossing.
On October 7, Hamas attacked Israeli communities close to the Gaza border, resulting in at least 1,200 deaths and the kidnapping of 240 Israelis and foreigners. Of the 133 captives still alive, about 30 are thought to be dead.
