UN Appeals to Israel to Open Kerem Shalom Crossing

The UN humanitarian coordinator Martin Griffiths appealed to Israel on Wednesday to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing in Israel. He told reporters in Geneva, "Kerem Shalom, please Israel, grant us that (crossing) as a special passage." He added that "the Kerem Shalom crossing was used to transport over 60 percent of truckloads heading to Gaza before this conflict." Griffiths also emphasized the need to expand the number of safe shelters for displaced persons in schools and other public facilities throughout Gaza and to ensure they remain free from hostilities. He stated, "These are necessary moves to reduce the massacre," and continued, "The plan is comprehensive, and we are determined to proceed with every step, but we need broad international support."