Joint IDF and COGAT announcement: In accordance with directive from the political echelon and as part of the effort to increase the volume and routes of aid to the Gaza Strip, the IDF via COGAT and the Southern Command, is preparing to open the Kissufim crossing. The introduction of humanitarian aid through the Kissufim crossing was made possible following engineering work carried out in the area over recent weeks by the IDF Gaza Division’s engineering unit, the Southern Command's engineering unit, and the Southern Brigade forces. As part of the work, the forces built inspection facilities and protective infrastructure, and paved roads both in Israeli territory and within the Gaza Strip to allow the transfer of aid to the southern part of the Strip. This was done while ensuring the safety of the Israeli communities along the border with the Gaza Strip.