As Israel Targets Northern Gaza, Zikim Crossing Set to Open for Humanitarian Aid Distribution

United Nations

Sphinx News: Ahmed Ali

While the United Nations has repeatedly warned since the October 10th ceasefire that the hunger crisis in Gaza remains catastrophic—particularly in northern areas where aid distribution has faced major challenges—the Israeli administration has announced it is set to open the Zikim Crossing, allowing access into northeastern Gaza.

In a statement posted today on X, COGAT—the Israeli Defense Ministry body overseeing civilian affairs in the occupied Palestinian territory—said, “Today, the Zikim crossing has been opened for the entry of humanitarian aid trucks into the Gaza Strip.”

The United Nations welcomed the development, with Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Stéphane Dujarric stating, “In recent weeks, we have been repairing the road leading to Zikim inside Gaza in preparation for this reopening, and we are now carrying out final checks—including for potential explosive hazards. That, of course, would enable cargo to transit on that road.”

The crossing, which has remained entirely closed for two full months, is critical given the dire state of humanitarian operations on the ground. According to OCHA, the crossing has been closed since September 12th, severely impeding aid distribution to northern Gaza, compounded by the limited functionality of the Erez Crossing for UN humanitarian cargo.

For the most part, aid to northern Gaza has been routed through the enclave’s southern crossings, particularly Kerem Shalom. During Zikim’s closure, the UN reported that 40% of requested aid movements to northern Gaza were denied outright in the 10 days following the October 10th ceasefire. Even when alternative routes were used, distribution was complicated by extensive infrastructure damage and persistent security risks.

Clarifying that the crossing is not yet operational for humanitarian delivery but “will be in the coming days,” Dujarric added, “Yes, there are a number of logistical issues that need to be worked out.” Israeli authorities have stated that, for the time being, “cargo will need to be scanned elsewhere, offloaded from Israeli trucks, and then reloaded onto Palestinian trucks on separate days.” Dujarric described the process as “an understatement” in complexity, adding that the UN remains in contact with Israeli authorities to “simplify the procedure.” For now, however, aid entering through the Zikim Crossing will have to undergo this complicated process.

As large scale aid distribution continues to undergo these clearance delays and other impediments, the latest reports on the ground indicate increasing Israeli bombardment. Today, Israeli warplanes launched three air strikes on the northeastern area of Beit Lahiya in Gaza. Also today in earlier hours, Israeli engineering units detonated explosives east of Khan Younis, in southern Gaza. With three Palestinian casualties confirmed dead by the Gaza Health Ministry, reports indicate that since the agreed upon October 10th ceasefire deal, Israeli attacks have killed at least 242 Palestinians and injured 622.

Noting the ceasefire’s increasing fragility, exceeding violations, and unsettling ambiguity, the Secretary General notes in his latest remarks on the conflict, “the ceasefire in Gaza is fragile and repeatedly violated, but it is holding. I strongly appeal for the ceasefire to be fully respected, and pave the way for the negotiations of phase two of the deal, leading to the creation of the conditions for the self determination of the Palestinian people and the creation of the two state solution. We are substantially increasing our humanitarian aid into Gaza, and the next steps for the UN will be defined by the Security Council.”