Israel plans to reopen the sole crossing between the Israeli-controlled West Bank and Jordan exclusively for passenger traffic, commencing Friday morning, as per an announcement by the Israeli Airports Authority on Thursday. Last Friday, the Allenby Crossing was closed following a tragic incident where a driver carrying humanitarian aid from Jordan for Gaza fatally shot two Israeli soldiers. Despite a brief reopening on Monday, Israel decided to shut it down indefinitely on Tuesday.
The crossing, also referred to as the Karama crossing, acts as the primary route for West Bank Palestinians to travel abroad and facilitates the transportation of commercial goods between Jordan and the West Bank. However, under the current directive, trucks carrying aid destined for Gaza will not be allowed to pass through.
The United Nations has highlighted the importance of the crossing in delivering essential supplies like food and tents to Gaza. Its closure could severely hamper the ability of aid organizations to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. The decision to partially resume operations was made in line with the instructions of the political leadership, according to the Israeli airports authority.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that Israel will address countries such as France, Britain, Canada, and Australia, which have formally recognized a Palestinian state, upon his return from the U.S., where he is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump. Some of Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition partners have suggested annexing the West Bank in response to the recognition of Palestinian statehood.