Israel Closes Gaza Crossing After Deadly Hamas Rocket Attack
Written by Jerry Alomatu on May 6, 2024
Israel has announced the temporary closure of the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza after Hamas militants launched a rocket attack, resulting in the deaths of three Israeli soldiers and injuring several others.
The Kerem Shalom crossing serves as a crucial entry point for humanitarian aid, including essential supplies like food and medical resources, into Gaza. The closure poses significant challenges for ongoing relief efforts in the besieged enclave.
Hamas’ armed wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for the attack on the Kerem Shalom crossing, stating they used short-range rockets to target Israeli troops.
According to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), ten rockets were fired from an area near the Rafah border in southern Gaza, approximately 3.6 kilometers (2.2 miles) from Kerem Shalom. The IDF reported that the rockets were launched from a location about 350 meters away from a civilian shelter before the launcher and a nearby military facility were destroyed.
The IDF condemned the attack, describing it as “another blatant instance of the terrorist organization’s exploitation of humanitarian facilities and spaces, and their continued use of the Gazan civilian population as human shields.”
The assault on the crossing occurred during two days of ceasefire talks in Egypt aimed at securing an agreement between Israel and Hamas. Egyptian mediators have been facilitating discussions with the goal of achieving a cessation of hostilities in Gaza and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas.
While Hamas has indicated a willingness to consider the proposed ceasefire positively, differences remain over whether the agreement should be temporary or permanent. Hamas advocates for a commitment to ending the conflict, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected such demands, expressing concerns about the potential resurgence of Hamas military capabilities.
Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s unwillingness to accept a scenario where Hamas regains control of Gaza, rebuilds its military infrastructure, and poses a renewed threat to Israeli citizens. He warned that such an outcome would constitute a significant setback for Israel.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas began after Hamas gunmen entered Israel from Gaza on October 7, resulting in casualties and hostage-taking. The subsequent Israeli military campaign in Gaza has led to significant loss of life and injuries among Palestinian civilians, according to reports from the territory’s health ministry.
Despite ongoing ceasefire negotiations facilitated by Egyptian mediators, previous attempts to reach a resolution have faltered, with continued violence and instability in the region. The recent rocket attack on the Kerem Shalom crossing underscores the persistent challenges facing efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in Gaza.
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Author: Jerry Alomatu
Astute communicator
