Has Israel Reopened the Zikim Crossing into Gaza?
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Synopsis
The reopening of the Zikim crossing marks a critical step towards improving humanitarian aid access in Gaza. With significant movements of people recorded and ongoing efforts to stabilize market prices, the UN continues to advocate for enhanced support in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Zikim crossing reopening is a crucial development for humanitarian aid.
- The crossing had been closed for two months, limiting aid access.
- Ongoing infrastructure repairs are being made to facilitate aid transport.
- Market prices for essential goods are stabilizing as aid flows increase.
- Humanitarian organizations are scaling up their response efforts.
United Nations, Nov 13 (NationPress) In response to ongoing demands for enhanced aid access, UN officials have confirmed that Israel is set to reopen the Zikim crossing located in the northern region of the Gaza Strip.
Overnight, Israeli authorities notified the UN that the Zikim crossing, connecting Israel and northern Gaza, will be reinstated for humanitarian shipments,” stated the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Wednesday.
The Zikim crossing, which had been closed for two months, will become the third aid entry point following the reopening of the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossing near the Egyptian border and the Kissufim crossing, which links Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.
Humanitarian organizations have been advocating for improved aid access to the densely populated northern regions. During the two-month closure, no supplies were able to enter Gaza directly from the north, and travel from the southern crossings was severely hindered due to damaged roads.
OCHA mentioned that the United Nations has recently undertaken repairs on the road to Zikim from within Gaza to facilitate the reopening and allow for the collection of cargo. Final checks are underway, including assessments for potential unexploded ordnance.
The office affirmed that authorities indicated all incoming shipments will require scanning outside of Zikim, necessitating offloading from Israeli trucks and reloading onto Palestinian trucks on a different day for distribution in Gaza.
Furthermore, OCHA reported that partners managing displacement sites in Gaza have observed continued movement of individuals from southern Gaza to the north, with approximately 4,000 movements documented over the last week. While the distribution of shelter and winter resources is increasing, the demands remain substantial.
As humanitarian efforts expand -- supported by the commercial sector and bilateral assistance -- market prices for essential goods are gradually stabilizing. Concurrently, OCHA partners are continuing to provide vital cash voucher support, with 66,000 cash transfers made since the ceasefire was established last month.
Point of View
It is imperative to highlight the significance of the Zikim crossing's reopening. This decision reflects a critical response to humanitarian needs and underscores the importance of international cooperation in alleviating the suffering of civilians in Gaza. The situation remains fluid, and ongoing efforts must ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.
NationPress
13/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zikim crossing?
The Zikim crossing is a border point between Israel and the northern Gaza Strip, used for the transportation of humanitarian aid.
Why was the Zikim crossing closed?
The Zikim crossing was closed for two months due to security concerns and the ongoing conflict in the region.
How will aid be distributed through the Zikim crossing?
Aid will be scanned outside of Zikim and transferred from Israeli trucks to Palestinian trucks for distribution.
What are the current humanitarian needs in Gaza?
There is an urgent need for shelter, winter supplies, and basic commodities as the population continues to face significant challenges.
How many movements of people have been recorded recently?
Approximately 4,000 movements from southern to northern Gaza have been recorded in the past week.
