Israel has reopened the Zikim crossing, enabling the United Nations (UN) and international organisations to deliver humanitarian aid to northern Gaza. This marks a major policy shift after months of restricted access and aims to ease severe food shortages and humanitarian suffering in the region, which has been heavily damaged since the conflict intensified in 2023.
Israel Reopens Zikim Crossing to Deliver UN Aid to Northern Gaza Amid Humanitarian Crisis
Details of the Crossing Reopening
The reopening was confirmed by the Israeli Defence Ministry body that manages Palestinian civilian affairs.
Key points include:
- Aid trucks are now permitted to enter Gaza through Zikim Crossing.
- The crossing will remain permanently open, similar to the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza.
- The move follows repeated appeals from the UN and NGOs to improve aid access to northern regions.
This reopening is expected to bring some relief to thousands of civilians facing acute shortages of food, medicine, and essential supplies.
Conditions for Aid Access and Distribution
Before entering Gaza, all aid shipments must undergo Israeli security inspections at the border.
After clearance:
- Supplies are transferred to UN agencies for internal distribution.
- Despite this, logistical challenges remain due to damaged infrastructure, limited transport facilities, and risks of looting during distribution.
Humanitarian agencies have long argued that strict inspection procedures slow down aid delivery, worsening the crisis for civilians in need.
Humanitarian Situation in Northern Gaza
The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) has warned of severe hunger and famine-level conditions in northern Gaza.
- The closure of Zikim crossing earlier had prevented the collection and delivery of food cargo.
- The UN Humanitarian Coordination Office (OCHA) stated that direct access routes like Zikim are vital for reaching vulnerable populations quickly.
This reopening could restore partial access to areas that have been isolated for months, offering hope for emergency relief.
Broader Implications for Relief Operations
While the reopening of Zikim is a positive step, major obstacles remain:
- Destroyed roads and limited fuel make distribution difficult.
- Security risks and ongoing hostilities disrupt aid convoys.
- Agencies stress that sustained and unhindered access is crucial to stabilise northern Gaza’s humanitarian situation.
Continuous cooperation between Israel, the UN, and humanitarian partners will be necessary to ensure that essential supplies reach affected civilians efficiently.
Exam-Oriented Notes
- Zikim Crossing reopened to allow UN and international aid into northern Gaza.
- Managed by the Israeli Defence Ministry body overseeing Palestinian affairs.
- Kerem Shalom remains the main southern entry point for humanitarian aid.
- Aid is transferred to UN agencies after Israeli security checks.
- The region is facing famine-level food insecurity due to prolonged conflict and access restrictions.
Question & Answer
Q1. Which crossing has Israel reopened to allow humanitarian aid into northern Gaza?
(a) Rafah Crossing
(b) Zikim Crossing
(c) Kerem Shalom Crossing
(d) Erez Crossing
Answer: Zikim Crossing
Q2. Which organisation handles the inspection of aid before it enters Gaza?
(a) UNRWA
(b) World Food Programme
(c) Israeli Defence Ministry body
(d) Red Cross
Answer: Israeli Defence Ministry body
Q3. After security clearance, aid entering Gaza is handed over to which group for distribution?
(a) Local NGOs
(b) Palestinian Authority
(c) UN agencies
(d) Red Crescent
Answer: UN agencies
Q4. Which southern crossing continues to handle most humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza?
(a) Kerem Shalom
(b) Rafah
(c) Nitzana
(d) Erez
Answer: Kerem Shalom
Q5. What major issue continues to hinder aid delivery inside northern Gaza?
(a) Lack of volunteers
(b) Damaged infrastructure and security risks
(c) Shortage of UN funding
(d) Border closure with Egypt
Answer: Damaged infrastructure and security risks
🔗 Other Useful Links:
📌 Latest Government Job Vacancies
📌 Latest Exam Results
📌 Free Mock Tests
.jpg=w704-h396-p-k-no-nu?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "Uttar Pradesh to Set Up India’s First Forest University in Gorakhpur")
.jpg=w704-h396-p-k-no-nu?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "B. Sairam Appointed CMD of Coal India Limited – Key PSU & Energy Current Affairs")
.jpg=w704-h396-p-k-no-nu?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "Samvad 2025: 12th Tribal Conclave Begins in Jamshedpur Celebrating India’s Indigenous Culture")