Israel closes main crossing for aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip

Israel has closed the main crossing for aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip, a spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday, without providing any reasons.

Spokesman Omer Dostri stated on X that “the Kerem Shalom crossing is closed today, and no equipment has entered Gaza since yesterday.”

The Israeli authority for Palestinian affairs, COGAT, also confirmed the closure when asked, without giving any reasons either.

According to the Palestinian militant organization Hamas, about 10 container houses were brought into Gaza through Kerem Shalom shortly before the closure.

The delivery of these temporary homes for the about 2 million Gazans living in tents and ruins is one of Hamas’ key demands for the continuation of the ceasefire and the agreed exchange of Israeli hostages from Gaza for imprisoned Palestinians.

On Saturday, another six hostages being held in Gaza are to be exchanged for what Palestinian sources say are 602 Palestinian prisoners.