COGAT

COGAT, the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories, is a unit within the Israeli Ministry of Defense responsible for implementing government policies in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. It coordinates civilian matters, security issues, and humanitarian aid. COGAT's actions directly impact the lives of Palestinians, controlling movement of people and goods in and out of Gaza. Recent news highlights COGAT's role in easing restrictions on Gaza. Specifically, after nearly two years, COGAT announced the reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt for limited pedestrian movement. Additionally, after a 2.5-year blockade, COGAT permitted UNICEF to deliver school kits into Gaza. These developments are significant as they represent a potential shift towards easing the long-standing blockade and allowing more humanitarian aid into the region, though the scope and long-term implications remain to be seen.