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

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. With the exception of chemical fertilizers and other goods that can assist terror groups, there is no restriction on the supplies that can enter the Gaza Strip.

During the week marked by an escalation in fire from the Gaza Strip (March 11-17), 798 truckloads (20,562.4 tons) of goods were imported to the Gaza Strip via the Israeli crossings, including 227 truckloads of food products and 173 of construction materials. Six truckloads of agricultural goods were exported (flowers and date treats).

• 132 international organization staff members entered Israel.
• 102 international organization staff members entered the Gaza Strip.
• 323 patients and accompanying individuals crossed into Israel and the West Bank.

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.