Gaza Strip border crossing reopens after seven days of closure

[News_Editor]

Gaza Strip border crossing reopens after seven days of closure

2011-04-13 21:57:02 GMT+7 (ICT)

GAZA STRIP (BNO NEWS) -- Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Wednesday announced that the Gaza Strip border crossing was reopened to passage on goods after seven days of closure.

The Kerem Shalom crossing, the main entrance point for goods to the Gaza Strip was closed last week due to security threats against IDF personnel. The border crossing between Israel and Gaza is also used for providing medical and humanitarian aid to Gaza residents.

After the reopening of the southern crossing, an estimated 260 loads of commercial goods and humanitarian aid, including a limited shipment of cooking gas will enter Gaza. In March, Israel decided to close the Karni crossing in northern Gaza Strip.

The Kerem Shalom entry point witnessed the crossing of 3,656 trucks carrying goods, mainly food and medical supplies, to the Gaza Strip. The entrance is managed by the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), through the Gaza Coordination and Liaison Administration.

In addition, IDF and the Defense Ministry Crossing Authority allowed an additional 1,100 trucks carrying aggregates to enter Gaza via the Sufa crossing. This entry point was opened for this purpose only, despite the many security risks involved.

However, due to the increase of the rocket attacks into southern Israel, perpetrated by insurgents from within Gaza, IDF decided to close the crossing. In March, IDF said that more than 90 rockets and mortar shells were fired by Hamas militants into Israeli soil.

"Israel will continue to act to thwart any attempts to harm its citizens. At the same time, Israel will continue humanitarian efforts to aid the civilian population of the Gaza Strip," said the IDF spokesperson.

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