After Palestinian rioting, Israel closes Erez crossing

As attempts to reach a lasting ceasefire continue, Israel decided Sunday to close the Erez crossing to Gaza after rioting on the border Friday. 

By: AP

Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman annouced Sunday the closing of the Erez border crossing, Israel’s main personnel crossing with Gaza in response to recent violence along the frontier.

Two Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire and another 60 were wounded during violent protests Friday amid ongoing Egyptian efforts to broker a ceasefire. The protesters threw rocks and firebombs at Israeli troops from behind clouds of black smoke from burning tires. The soldiers responded with tear gas and live fire.

Hamas officials have been meeting with Egyptian officials in Cairo to hammer out details of a possible truce with Israel. The sides have come close to serious conflict in recent weeks, as terrorists have fired rockets at Israel, which has responded with airstrikes.