Israel confirms opening of checkpoint on border with Gaza, Egypt

The Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), operating under the Israeli Defence Ministry, has confirmed the imminent opening of the Kerem Shalom checkpoint on the border with the Gaza Strip and Egypt.

The NBC TV channel, citing a senior US official, reported on December 8 that the Israeli authorities agreed to the opening of the specified checkpoint for humanitarian aid inspection, Gazeta.Ru reports.

COGAT said that it has been thoroughly inspecting humanitarian aid which is delivered to the Palestinian enclave. Kerem Shalom will open, so the number of inspections will double. However, the checkpoint opening date has not been reported.

The Israeli office added that humanitarian aid is still at the entrance to Rafah city. COGAT called on UN staff to work better.

Currently, the Rafah checkpoint in Egypt is the only open border crossing with the Gaza Strip for the transportation of humanitarian aid. Foreigners were able to leave the Gaza Strip through this checkpoint on November 1. The evacuation of the wounded from the enclave began on the same day.