In light of the riots along the Gaza border over the past week and a half, three Palestinian suspects tried to cross the barrier area (the section between the border fences) in the Gaza Strip towards Israeli territory on two separate occasions. Security forces on the scene identified the suspects and arrested them.
Earlier today, IDF observations identified a suspect attempting to cross the border in the northern area of the perimeter fence. Soldiers sent to his site arrested him and he was transferred to the security forces for further treatment. Later, two additional suspects were identified who tried to cross the perimeter fence in its southern part and enter Israeli territory. The soldiers on the ground detained them and they were also taken for further investigation.
Firefighters near the Gaza Strip work to extinguish fires caused by incendiary balloons // Photo: Yaniv Zohar
Meanwhile, a Palestinian vehicle broke through a checkpoint in Samaria towards Nablus, located between the communities of Itamar and Alon Moreh, and almost hit the fighters. There were no casualties in the incident. The force on the ground responded by firing in the direction of the vehicle, which continued driving.
In the early hours of the morning, terrorists threw two pipe bombs at an IDF post on Route 2 near Birzeit. There were no casualties.
The area where the military checkpoint was breached, photo: Rescue Without Borders
OK for Qatari money - Erez crossing opens
Yesterday, the Erez crossing was opened for the passage of Palestinian workers from Gaza to work in Israel after almost two weeks of violent incidents along the border, including launching explosive balloons, shooting, and throwing IEDs. Already at night, hundreds of Palestinians began to gather near the crossing in preparation for the opening of the security terminals.
Earlier today, it was reported that behind the scenes, one of the main reasons for the riots - the significant cut in Qatari money - is also what untangled the situation by allowing Israel to increase the Qatari grant, according to foreign reports. In addition to Hamas' demands to expand financial support, it was also reported that it had promised to increase the fishing zone and entry permits for workers from Gaza.
Workers entering from Erez Crossing (archive), photo: AFP
A source in Gaza told The Associated Press that "Israel has promised Hamas a number of concessions, including increasing the number of entry permits for workers from Gaza, expanding the fishing zone and authorizing increased exports and imports." According to the report, the Qatari envoy said Doha had halted an escalation in Gaza and had reached understandings to open the crossing for workers. He also noted that "the humanitarian situation in Gaza is grave and another conflict will only make it worse."
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