The IDF said on Friday that it is preparing to open the Kissufim crossing in coordination with COGAT and the Southern Command to increase the delivery of aid to Gaza. 

In a post on X, the IDF said, "In accordance with the directive from the political echelon and as part of the effort to increase the volume and routes of aid to Gaza, the IDF via COGAT and the Southern Command, is preparing to open the Kissufim crossing. The introduction of humanitarian aid through the Kissufim crossing was made possible following engineering work carried out in the area over recent weeks by the IDF.” 

“As part of the work, the forces built inspection facilities and protective infrastructure, and paved roads both in Israeli territory and within Gaza to allow the transfer of aid to the southern part of Gaza. This was done while ensuring the safety of the Israeli communities along the border with Gaza," it added. In its terror attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Hamas targeted Kissufim, a small border crossing into southern Gaza close to Kibbutz Kissufim, which set off the crisis, according to VOA.

In a letter delivered on October 13, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned Israel that it had 30 days to increase its humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza or risk a reduction in US military aid, according to VOA. The letter demanded that Israel open a fifth humanitarian entry point and allow at least 350 trucks per day to enter Gaza through four crossings.

During a briefing at the US State Department on Thursday, spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that Israel had established the new crossing, expanded the Mawasi humanitarian area in Gaza, and taken steps to prevent looting from aid trucks, according to VOA. Miller said that US officials witnessed nearly 229 humanitarian trucks enter Gaza two days ago, which he called an improvement.