Tel Aviv, August 11 : Israel on Tue. closed the main cargo crossing with the Gaza Strip, after militants within the besieged Palestinian enclave initiated incendiary balloons into Israeli territory.
“The Kerem Shalom Crossing going to be closed, with the exception of the entry of vital humanitarian equipment & fuel,” Israel’s Coordinator of Govt Operations within the Territories stated in an announcement.
The measure is a reaction to “the continued starting of incendiary balloons from that Gaza Strip into the territory of the State of Israel”, the announcement stated, adding that the move followed an order by Defense Minister Benny Gantz, records Xinhua press agency.
Israel believes that the balloons are sent by militant opposition teams in Gaza however it holds Hamas, the Islamic Movement that runs Gaza, accountable.
“The IDF & the state of Israel going to respond firmly to any violation of our sovereignty & our residents,” the announcement alerted.
It added further that the balloons “harm the locals of the Gaza Strip, the development (devt) of the economy & attempts to enhance the civilian status of its locals”.
Regional Israeli media recorded that balloons attached to incendiary devices have caused over 30 fires about border communities.
Commentators on Palestinian & Israeli media stated the balloons frequently aim to stress Israel to permit the transfer of Qatari amount to Gaza amid an escalating fiscal & humanitarian crises within the Palestinian enclave.
Israel & Hamas had fought 3 rounds of war with occasional bursts of violence between them.