Kerem Shalom Crossing to be closed in light of riots

Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman made the decision to close the border crossing after it sustained extensive damage during the protests in Gaza.

By CHAYA EISENBERG
Updated: MAY 13, 2018 15:22
Kerem Shalom crossing burning on the Palestinian side after Friday protests (photo credit: IDF SPOKESMAN’S UNIT)
Kerem Shalom crossing burning on the Palestinian side after Friday protests
(photo credit: IDF SPOKESMAN’S UNIT)
The Kerem Shalom border crossing on the Palestinian side of the Gaza Strip will be closed from Sunday, May 13 until further notice, due to violent riots in which protesters attacked and burned the crossing on Friday night, according to a statement released by the IDF spokesperson on Saturday.
The crossing has been attacked, vandalized and damaged twice as part of recent Gaza protests. On May 4, the crossing was set ablaze by protestors. Fuel and gas pipes that serve the people of Gaza were damaged at that time.
On May 11, the crossing was once again vandalized, with protestors setting fire to multiple locations along the Palestinian side.
Hundreds of rioters vandalizing and setting ablaze the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom humanitarian goods crossing in the southern Gaza Strip, May 4, 2018 (Courtesy IDF Spokesperson"s Unit)
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In light of the continuing attacks and the damage to the crossing, Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman and COGAT Maj. Gen. Kamil Abu Rokon approved a recommendation to close the Kerem Shalom crossing. It will be opened for select humanitarian need, which will be examined on a case-by-case basis.
The crossing will remain closed until the damage caused by the riots is repaired and will be dependent on situational assessments.
The IDF statement said, "Israel and many countries around the world work to deliver goods such as food, equipment and fuel to Gaza's citizens, initiatives which are prevented by the Hamas terror organization's actions."
The statement also emphasized that "the Hamas terror organization is responsible for everything that happens in the Gaza Strip, both above and below ground, and will bear the consequences for its actions."


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