First food delivered to Jabalia in 40 days
Eleven trucks of food, water and medical aid have entered the besieged areas of Jabalia and Beit Hanoun in North Gaza, 40 days since the last food and water was allowed to enter the areas under evacuation orders, according to the Israel Defense Forces. Palestinian officials have not yet confirmed the delivery.
The Kissufim crossing was reopened for the first time since Israel's 2005 departure from the Gaza strip, the IDF announced. This has been a key demand of the United Nations and humanitarian aid groups, as the crossing sits between Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, and allows for a shorter driving time to reach the areas where most people are sheltering.
These announcements come as the U.S. State Department's 30 day deadline for improving the humanitarian aid situation in Gaza approaches. Last week, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller noted that Israel had not met the benchmarks -- outlined in a letter sent to Israeli officials -- to the State Department's satisfaction yet.
One key issue he pointed to was setting up a new channel with Israel where the U.S. could raise and discuss civilian harm incidents. This channel has not yet been established but that he hopes a first meeting can be set up "in a week or two," Miller said.