Kerem Shalom crossing
The Kerem Shalom crossing is the primary commercial and humanitarian gateway between Israel and the southern Gaza Strip, located at the tri-border point of Israel, Gaza, and Egypt.
The Kerem Shalom crossing serves as a critical infrastructure point for the movement of goods and humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. Situated near the kibbutz of the same name, the crossing is managed by the Israeli Ministry of Defense and monitored by COGAT (Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories). Unlike the Erez crossing, which is primarily for pedestrian movement, Kerem Shalom is designed for heavy logistical throughput, including fuel, food, and medical supplies. Its strategic location at the junction of Israel, Egypt, and the Gaza Strip makes it a focal point for both regional security and international humanitarian efforts. The crossing's operations are frequently dictated by the prevailing security situation; it has often been targeted by mortar fire or used as a pressure point by terror organizations in Gaza, leading to periodic closures. For Israel, maintaining the crossing involves a complex balance between preventing the smuggling of dual-use materials for terror infrastructure and fulfilling international obligations to facilitate the entry of essential civilian goods. Recent developments have seen the crossing fluctuate between closure due to security assessments and reopening to allow for the gradual entry of aid, reflecting its role as a primary lever in the management of the Gaza theater.