Photo: armiya.az.
The Israeli authorities are planning to open a new crossing point for humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. The work is being carried out near Kibbutz Kisufim, which was one of the epicentres of the tragic events that took place on 7 October, when Hamas militants attacked the settlement, killing 18 people. The kibbutz residents are outraged that this decision was made without discussion with the community, which still remembers the losses and the prisoners, including 86-year-old Shlomo Mansur, who is being held hostage, TimeUkraineIsrael portal reports with reference to Vesty.
According to government sources, the opening of the crossing point is aimed at expanding humanitarian supplies to the civilian population of Gaza, which is constantly demanded by the US administration. At the same time, Washington stresses that insufficient supplies of food and other goods could jeopardise the United States’ military support for Israel.
A difficult decision under pressure
According to representatives of the Israeli government, the army is acting in accordance with the directives of the political leadership, taking into account the insistent demands of the US administration. Recently, the White House expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of aid delivery to the enclave, demanding that Israel step up its deliveries. The US warning threatens to change the policy of military supplies if the humanitarian quota does not increase within two weeks.
The history of Kisufim checkpoint: the return of the past
The Kisufim crossing, located near Khan Younes, was historically the main point of entry for supplies to the Gush Katif area until 2005, when Israel closed it following its unilateral withdrawal from Gaza. Since then, the crossing has only been used on a case-by-case basis. Currently, humanitarian aid is delivered through other border terminals, Kerem Shalom and Erez, but the need for an additional channel is growing due to increased demand from the UN and the US, which point to a critical food supply situation in Gaza.
Kisufim protests: issues of national memory and security
Residents of Kibbutz Kisufim are openly dissatisfied with the fact that their region was chosen to open the new crossing, as they are still experiencing the painful consequences of Hamas attacks. “We are forced to watch trucks with food for the people who are holding our loved ones hostage pass by every day. The state seems to be forgetting the horrors of recent events too quickly,” said the kibbutz representatives, stressing that the opening of the crossing should be directly linked to the demands for the return of Israeli prisoners, including Shlomo Mansour.
For the community of Kisufim, the government’s decision is perceived as a betrayal and loss of national memory. “Reopening the checkpoint without releasing the prisoners is a symbolic concession that causes us even more pain,” the residents emphasise.
Despite the urgent need to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, the issue of opening the crossing point in the area that witnessed the tragic events remains extremely sensitive. The Israeli community, in particular the residents of Kisufim, demand that support for humanitarian supplies be accompanied by guarantees of the return of hostages and take into account the needs of local residents who are still mourning their loved ones.
