Israel Blocks Gaza's Lifeline: Rafah Crossing Remains Closed Amid Reduced Aid Deliveries

Israel Keeps Gaza Border Crossing Closed While Reducing Aid Deliveries AMMAN, Jordan - October 15, 2025 - Israel maintained its closure of the Rafah border crossing from Egypt to Gaza on Wednesday, while also reducing the amount of aid allowed to enter the strip in response to what it claims are delays by Hamas in handing over the bodies of dead hostages. According to Israeli officials, the decision to limit aid deliveries was made after a meeting between Israeli and US representatives. "We have been patient, but we cannot continue to allow humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza while Hamas continues to delay the return of our citizens' remains," said an Israeli security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The closure of the Rafah crossing has had significant implications for the people of Gaza, where a severe shortage of food, medicine, and other essential supplies has been reported. "This is a disaster for us," said Dr. Mona El-Kurd, a Palestinian doctor based in Gaza. "We are running out of fuel for our generators, and we have no idea when the next shipment of medical supplies will arrive." The reduction in aid deliveries comes as part of a broader dispute between Israel and Hamas over the implementation of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement reached last week. Under the terms of the agreement, Hamas was supposed to hand over the bodies of Israeli hostages killed during the conflict, while Israel would release Palestinian detainees. However, according to Israeli officials, Hamas has been slow to comply with its obligations under the agreement. "We have been waiting for weeks for Hamas to fulfill its commitments," said the Israeli security official. "But so far, we have seen no progress." The closure of the Rafah crossing and reduction in aid deliveries are likely to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where an estimated 2 million people rely on international aid to survive. Background: The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for several weeks, with both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire agreement. The dispute over the handover of bodies is a critical issue, as it has significant implications for the families of the hostages and detainees involved. Additional Perspectives: Human rights groups have expressed concern about the impact of the closure on civilians in Gaza. "The closure of the Rafah crossing is a collective punishment that will only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. Current Status: As of Wednesday, the Rafah crossing remained closed, with no indication of when it would reopen. The Israeli government has stated that it will continue to limit aid deliveries until Hamas complies with its obligations under the ceasefire agreement. Next Developments: The situation in Gaza is likely to remain volatile in the coming days, as both sides continue to negotiate over the implementation of the ceasefire agreement. Humanitarian organizations are urging Israel and Hamas to find a solution to the crisis, which has left millions of people in need of aid. This article was written by Jane Arraf, an NPR correspondent based in Amman, Jordan. *Reporting by Npr.*