Israel facilitated the departure of more than 200 Gaza residents holding dual citizenship or valid visas on Monday, according to COGAT, which manages Israel’s civilian coordination with the Palestinian territories. COGAT said the group exited Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing, traveled through Israel to the Allenby Bridge crossing into Jordan, and continued onward to third countries.
It said the departures followed requests submitted by foreign governments and the UN and added that all travelers were approved by Israel’s security establishment before they were allowed to move to ensure that wanted terrorists were not using humanitarian travel as cover. The process, COGAT explained, depends on a third country submitting a request and agreeing to receive those leaving Gaza.
The organization also addressed the winter aid dispute. It rejected claims that recent delivery problems were caused by deliberate Israeli restrictions, pointing instead to severe weather and heavy rains. It cited large quantities of tents, tarpaulins, winter items, and sanitation supplies it says were approved for entry while urging international organizations to coordinate quickly so goods can enter and be distributed. That is the news. Now comes the policy question: Should Israel expand and formalize this approach? (Read More)
