(Communicated by the IDF Spokesperson)

Starting at 06:00 today (Sunday, 10 August 2014), several rockets were intentionally fired at Kerem Shalom, hitting working areas at the crossing. Despite this, the transfer of goods continued until the afternoon hours; over 30 trucks laden with humanitarian equipment entered the Gaza Strip.

At approximately 12:30, an additional barrage of rockets was fired, directly hitting the crossing compound. It was decided not to endanger the workers at the site and to halt the transfer of goods until further notice.

Because of Hamas attacks, only 34 of the 283 trucks that were scheduled were able to cross into Gaza, depriving the people of Gaza of:

• 94 trucks of food
• 20 trucks of bottled water and drinks
• 16 trucks with humanitarian and medical supplies
• 14 trucks of agricultural materials
• 53 trucks of mixed goods (i.e. clothing, cleaning supplies, etc.)
• 27 trucks of equipment and supplies for international organizations carrying food, medicines, water.

By firing rockets on Kerem Shalom on August 10, Hamas also prevented the entry of much-needed fuel to Gaza.

Since the beginning of Operation Protective Edge, the Kerem Shalom Crossing has facilitated the passage of thousands of trucks laden with medical and hygiene equipment, food products, raw materials, textiles, animal food, cleaning materials and home utensils, as well as gas and fuels. The transfer of goods has been carried out in order to render humanitarian assistance to civilians living in the Gaza Strip.

The Defense Ministry Land Crossings Authority:

"After continuous and intentional rocket fire at the Kerem Shalom Crossing this morning and this afternoon, during which trucks carrying flammable materials to the Gaza Strip were almost hit, we took the exceptional decision to close the crossing in order to protect the lives of workers and traders. The crossing was open throughout Operation Protective Edge despite constant firing in its vicinity and is the sole artery for the passage of vital humanitarian goods and equipment to the residents of the Gaza Strip."