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World & Security

Israel Closes Gaza Border Crossings Amid Strikes on Iran

The closures include the Rafah Crossing and come as joint military operations begin against Iranian targets.

Israel Closes Gaza — ErezCrossing
Photo: Zero0000 (Public domain) via Wikimedia Commons
⚡ The Bottom Line

Tensions remain high as the peace plan brokered in October remains tentative with Hamas yet to disarm. The situation is developing as joint operations continue and humanitarian access is restricted.

Read full analysis ↓

Israel closed all border crossings into the Gaza Strip on Saturday as the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran.

The Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories announced the move is part of security adjustments during the joint attacks.

What the Right Is Saying

Israeli officials maintain the border closures are necessary for security during the ongoing military operations.

COGAT stated that existing food stock is expected to suffice for an extended period and the move will not impact the humanitarian situation.

What the Left Is Saying

Humanitarian leaders argue the closures will exacerbate existing shortages in the enclave.

Chef José Andrés of World Central Kitchen stated his organization will run out of food this week if deliveries persist.

Andrés noted that all NGOs in Gaza require more food, medicine, and equipment daily to feed families not involved in the conflict.

What the Numbers Show

The World Food Program USA reported that more than three-fourths of Gaza’s population faced crisis levels of food insecurity as of December.

The United Nations reported in January that humanitarian organizations provided 100 percent of basic food needs for the first time since October 2023.

The Bottom Line

Tensions remain high as the peace plan brokered in October remains tentative with Hamas yet to disarm.

The situation is developing as joint operations continue and humanitarian access is restricted.

Sources