Kerem Shalom crossing reopens to passage of goods
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Kerem Shalom crossing reopens to passage of goods

  • 4/13/2011
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    The Kerem Shalom crossing, the main entry point for goods entering the Gaza Strip, had been closed since last week due to concrete security threats against the IDF soldiers who operate it.
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    (IDF Spokesperson)

    The Kerem Shalom crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip was reopened on Wednesday, April 13. The crossing, which is the main entry point for goods entering the Gaza Strip, had been closed since last week due to concrete security threats against the IDF soldiers who operate it.

    On April 13, with the reopening of the crossing, 212 truckloads of goods (5,011 tons) were delivered, including 84 truckloads of food products.

    During the month of March, terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip, led by Hamas, fired more than 90 rockets and mortar shells towards southern Israel. Despite the escalation, the IDF continued to transfer medical and humanitarian aid to the residents of the Gaza Strip.

    The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), through the Gaza Coordination and Liaison Administration, permitted the entry of 3,656 trucks carrying goods (mainly food and medical supplies) to the Gaza Strip in March via the Kerem Shalom crossing.

    Additionally, the IDF and the Defense Ministry Crossing Authority, in conjunction with the Gaza Coordination and Liaison Administration, allowed an additional 1,100 trucks carrying aggregates to enter Gaza via the Sufa crossing, which was opened specifically for this purpose, despite the many security risks involved. Within the framework of this project, more than 50,000 tons of aggregates and gravel were brought into Gaza in order to expand, upgrade and establish construction projects carried out by the international community in the fields of education, health, housing and infrastructure.

    Israel will continue to act to thwart any attempts to harm its citizens. At the same time, Israel will continue humanitarian efforts to aid the civilian population of the Gaza Strip.