COGAT says closure of Gaza border crossings won’t affect humanitarian situation in Gaza

The COGAT agency, which coordinates the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza, insists that allegations that Israel is “arbitrarily” blocking aid to Gaza are false and based on Hamas disinformation.

The border crossings into Gaza were closed on February 28 when Israel and the US began striking Iran, due to the security threat posed to the crossings by incoming Iranian ballistic missiles.

“Opening the crossings under fire puts lives at risk, both personnel on the Israeli side and on the Gazan side,” says COGAT.

The agency asserts that the “temporary” closure of the crossings will not affect the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “tens of thousands of aid trucks have entered Gaza” since the ceasefire with Hamas went into effect on October 10, 2025, which it says have brought food aid amounting to “four times the population’s nutritional needs” according to UN methodology.

“Existing stockpiles inside Gaza are expected to suffice for a while,” the agency says, adding that “COGAT will continue to maintain continuous coordination with the international community” regarding humanitarian aid.

“The crossings will reopen as soon as the security situation allows,” the agency adds.

Footage from Gaza over recent days has shown well-stocked supermarkets and grocery stores. However, lines have developed at supermarkets due to the closure of the borders, which have reportedly pushed up prices.

Jose Andres, the founder of World Central Kitchen which has been key provider of prepared meals for Gazans over the last two years, says that the organization will run out of food this week if the borders are not reopened.

“We need food deliveries every single day to feed hungry families who are not part of this war. All the NGOs in Gaza need more food, medicine, medical equipment, fuel, tents, personal care every day. We cannot wait… let the humanitarian trucks go through today!” writes Andres on X.

We have been told that Gaza’s borders are closed indefinitely. If they stay closed, @wckitchen will run out of food this week. We are cooking 1M hot meals every day. We need food deliveries every single day to feed hungry families who are not part of this war. All the NGOs in… pic.twitter.com/CKYgwP0aAn

— Chef José Andrés ????️???????? (@chefjoseandres) March 1, 2026