Defense Minister Bnei Gantz decided to close the crossing tomorrow morning, when only essential humanitarian equipment and fuels will be allowed into the Gaza Strip • "The inflating of balloons will harm the residents of the Gaza Strip first and foremost."
Only fuels and humanitarian equipment will be allowed. Kerem Shalom crossing, last year
Photo:
Archive: Yossi Zeliger
The Kerem Shalom crossing will be closed to traffic tomorrow (Tuesday), Defense Minister Bnei Gantz decided tonight following the continued launching of incendiary balloons into the Gaza Envelope area. Entry into the Gaza Strip through the crossing will only be permitted for the entry of essential monetary equipment and fuels.
Photo: Newsenders
Ganz made the decision after holding security consultations and due to the inflating of incendiary balloons, which have caused many fires in the Gaza Envelope area in recent days. "The inflating of incendiary balloons and the violation of security calm will primarily harm the residents of the Gaza Strip, the development of the economy and attempts to improve the civilian situation of its residents," the Ministry of Defense said. "The IDF and the State of Israel will respond firmly and rigidly to any violation of our sovereignty and our citizens."
The rate of balloon launches from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory has increased in recent days, with Hamas' military wing even conducting an unusual experiment in a massive firing of more than ten rockets in one barrage launched deep into the Mediterranean Sea, west of the Gaza coast. Just today, about ten explosive balloons were blown up from the Gaza Strip towards Israel and more than 20 fires were recorded in the Gaza Envelope area. In response, the IDF attacked a Hamas observation post in the Gaza Strip.
• Senior Palestinian source: "If Israel does not approve the easing of Gaza - the security situation will escalate"
• Tensions in the south: Air Force attacks in Gaza
• Ganz and Chief of Staff Kochavi concluded: "We will not move on to the agenda for launching the balloons"
Senior Hamas figures told Israel Today that the organization would continue to allow violent provocations such as the blowing up of explosive balloons, in an attempt to put heavy pressure on Israel to approve a series of facilitations for Gaza and the promotion of Qatar and UN employment projects in the Gaza Strip. The monthly money to the Strip for another six months, after a question ended last month.
