On August 24, three Israeli-Arab taxi drivers waiting to pick up Gazan residents and bring them into Israel for medical treatment were wounded - two seriously - by mortar shells fired at the Erez Crossing as Palestinians from Gaza were entering Israel for medical care, forcing the closing of the Erez Crossing. Soldiers evacuated the wounded as mortars continued to fall on the crossing specifically designated for the passage of Palestinians in need of medical and humanitarian assistance.

Wounded Israelis evacuated from Erez Crossing
Copyright: Magen David Adom

On August 24,199 trucks carrying 3,842 tons of goods and aid entered Gaza via the Kerem Shalom Crossing. Among the trucks that entered were:
• 114 trucks carrying 2,236 tons of food
•     4 trucks carrying 33 tons of humanitarian supplies

During the humanitarian ceasefire in effect from August 13, there was a marked increase in the quantity of goods and humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip. However, the ceasefire was broken by rocket fire from Gaza on the afternoon of August 19, which continues unabated. Despite the resumption of rocket fire, Israel continues to facilitate the entrance of goods and aid to the Gaza Strip, and COGAT held a conference with various international organizations to discuss the need for immediate humanitarian assistance for the civilian population.