Kaine Statement on Opening of the Kerem Shalom Border Crossing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), released the following statement following the White House’s announcement that the Kerem Shalom border crossing would open for direct delivery of humanitarian assistance. Kaine called for the opening of Kerem Shalom to expedite the delivery of critical humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.

“As Israel brings Hamas to account for its horrific terrorist attacks on October 7, it is crucial that Israel also takes every possible step to protect civilians in Gaza. That’s why I’ve called for the reopening of the Kerem Shalom border crossing and why I’m glad to see that become a reality. Reopening Kerem Shalom is necessary to ensure humanitarian assistance can be delivered to civilians in Gaza at the pace and scope it needs to be. We must continue pushing for additional humanitarian aid, the immediate release of all hostages, and a strategy that combats the threat from Hamas and protects civilians.”

Kaine strongly condemned Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians and has been vocal about the need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He’s taken a series of steps to prioritize the release of hostages taken by Hamas, including directly engaging the Qatari and Egyptian governments, address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and protect civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, and counter Hamas’ terrorist threats. Kaine led his colleagues in calling for a short-term cessation of violence in order to ensure humanitarian assistance is reaching civilians in Gaza. 

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