In response to Hamas arson attacks Israel will block Gaza crossing

The prime minister announced the closure of Kerem Shalom crossing in retaliation for Hamas’s kites and balloons carrying firebombs that have destroyed thousands of acres in the south.  

By: World Israel News Staff

Responding to the unceasing wave of bomb-laden kites and balloons that have set fire to thousands of acres in the south, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Monday that the Kerem Shalom crossing between Gaza and Israel will be closed.

The decision was made in consultation with IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot and Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman.

Netanyahu told members of his Likud party during a faction meeting that Israel will fight to stop those in Gaza who are launching kites and balloons loaded with incendiary materials.

The prime minister said that he did not want to go int0 details regarding the steps being taken to fight the arson attacks. However, he did say that restricting the movement of goods into and out of Gaza was one of the steps.

The closure of Kerem Shalom will not include humanitarian aid, food and medicine, approved on an individual basis by Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Kamil Abu Rokon.

The launching of incendiary kites and balloons from Gaza into Israeli territory, the firing of rockets and attempts to infiltrate into Israel have led Israel to take steps to prevent the terrorist activities.

Israel will not permit the expansion of the fishing zone around Gaza, as another step designed to put pressure on Gazans to stop their terrorist activities.