According to Israeli information, the Kerem Shalom border crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip was reopened for aid deliveries on Monday. According to a decision at the political level, relief supplies will now be allowed to be transported through the border crossing again “in full accordance with the signed agreement”, but the Rafah crossing will remain closed for the time being, a military representative explained.
He was referring to the ceasefire agreement signed on October 10th between Israel and the radical Islamic Palestinian organization Hamas. Israel had stopped aid deliveries the day before. Both sides had previously accused each other of breaking the ceasefire.
In view of the fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the Federal Government calls on the radical Islamist Hamas and the Israeli government to adhere to their obligations in connection with the Gaza peace plan. “The temporary breach of the ceasefire was noted with concern by the federal government,” said a government spokesman. He added: “We expect all parties to fully and promptly honor the commitments they have made.”
The ceasefire must hold and at the same time the humanitarian situation must be improved, said the spokesman. The disarmament of Hamas and the further steps in the 20-point peace plan are a very long-term process. “This will not be solved overnight and the experience of the last few hours has shown that it will be quite difficult,” said Kornelius. The ceasefire agreements are clear and concrete. All parties are called upon to adhere to it – “including Hamas or other fighters who have triggered provocations in the Gaza Strip.”
France wants the mandate for the EU border protection operation in the Gaza Strip to be significantly expanded. “I would suggest that we strengthen this mission,” said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on the sidelines of discussions with EU counterparts in Luxembourg. Not only passenger transport, but also freight transport should be made easier. Humanitarian aid must now reach Gaza safely on a large scale in order to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian population.
