Muscat: Israeli occupation forces continue to close the Kerem Shalom and Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossings for the ninth consecutive day, bringing the aid access to the Gaza Strip to a complete halt. Israeli government decided on 2 March 2025 to block aid and close relief crossings northern and southern the war-torn enclave amid mounting concerns of a looming starvation. More than 30 UN experts denounced Israel for resuming the weaponized starvation in the Gaza Strip by stalling the ceasefire efforts and blocking humanitarian aid.
According to Oman News Agency, the blockade has sparked international concern as humanitarian conditions in Gaza worsen. UN experts highlighted Israel’s obligation as an occupying power to ensure the delivery of essential supplies like food and medicine. The experts criticized the deliberate disruption of aid, noting the impact on critical services, including sexual and reproductive health and assistive devices for persons with disabilities.
“As the occupying Power, Israel is always obliged to ensure sufficient food, medical supplies and other relief services. By deliberately cutting vital supplies, including those relating to sexual and reproductive health, and assistive devices for persons with disabilities, Israel is once again weaponizing aid,” read a statement released by the expert group, including Francesca Albanese – Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967.
The ongoing closure of these crossings exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with residents facing severe shortages of basic necessities. The international community continues to call for an immediate resumption of aid to alleviate the plight of the people in Gaza.