Gaza City: The Israeli occupation authorities continue to enforce the closure of the Kerem Shalom and Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossings, located south and north of the Gaza Strip, for the ninth consecutive day, completely halting the entry of aid.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, this action follows the decision by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cease all goods and supplies to the Gaza Strip, effective from March 2, 2025. This move has drawn significant international attention and criticism.
A group of more than thirty independent experts from the United Nations has accused Israel of 'militarizing famine' in Gaza by violating the ceasefire agreement and suspending humanitarian aid. The experts, affiliated with the Human Rights Council and including the United Nations Special Rapporteur for the Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, emphasized that Israel, as the occupying power, is obligated to ensure the provision of essential food, medical supplies, and other relief services.
The UN experts highlighted that by deliberately obstructing vital supplies, including those necessary for sexual and reproductive health and assistive devices for persons with disabilities, Israel is using aid as a weapon. This situation has intensified concerns over the humanitarian impact on the Gaza Strip's already vulnerable population.
