Kerem Shalom crossing open despite fire

Monday, March 12, 2012

Kerem Shalom crossing open despite fire

MFA Newsletter

Kerem Shalom crossing open despite fire
After three mortars were fired at the crossing, it was decided to continue transferring the goods from Israel into the Gaza Strip.

(Communicated by COGAT, Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories)

Kerem Shalom (IDF archive photo)

On Monday morning, 12 March 2012, three mortars were launched by Palestinians on their side of the Kerem Shalom crossing. A truck and a van on their way to deliver goods to the Gaza Strip were hit. Following the shooting, activity at the crossing was suspended for just a few minutes. After evaluating the situation, it was decided to continue operations at the crossing, transferring the goods from Israel into the Gaza Strip.
It should be stressed that on Sunday, 11 March 2012, the Kerem Shalom and Erez crossings continued to function, despite the threats and constant firing by the terrorist organizations in Gaza. Yesterday, over 180 trucks were transferred to Gaza.
The IDF will continue to act in order to prevent terrorism originating in the Gaza Strip. At the same time, the IDF and COGAT will continue to distinguish between the terrorist organizations and the civilian population. Despite the continuous barrage of mortars and artillery shells from the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, the IDF and COGAT continue to honor Israel's commitments to transfer goods through the Kerem Shalom crossing to the people of Gaza in an efficient and secure manner.