Israel to reopen temporary humanitarian routes to Gaza

JERUSALEM -- Israel announced the reopening of key routes to allow humanitarian aid to enter the famine-stricken Gaza Strip.

The Erez crossing will be temporarily reopened for the first time since Hamas launched its surprise attack on Israel on Oct 7 last year, according to a statement released by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Friday.

The statement said the port of Ashdod will also receive shipments of aid to Gaza, and Jordanian aid will be delivered in increased volumes through Kerem Shalom, another land crossing.

UN experts have warned that the majority of Gazans are facing starvation caused by Israel's six-month-long onslaught and blockade. Israel has cut the supply of food, water, electricity and gas to the Strip since the conflict broke out.