Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Israeli authorities close border crossing with Gaza on August 11 following balloon attacks /update 2

Event

Israeli authorities closed the Kerem Shalom border crossing with Gaza on Tuesday, August 11, following a series of balloon attacks originating from the enclave in recent days. The crossing is to be closed to all traffic, except for fuel and humanitarian aid, until further notice.

The balloon attacks, which have been blamed on Hamas, have set fire to land surrounding Israeli border communities. The attacks come amid rising tension between Israel and Hamas, with truce negotiations allegedly stalled. Gunfire was reported at the border fence on the morning of Monday, August 11, and Hamas later launched rockets into the sea in an apparent show of force. Attacks on Israeli targets have been met with airstrikes and artillery fire in reprisal.

Further attacks on Israeli border communities are likely in the near term, with Israeli strikes to be expected in retaliation.

Advice

Those in the Gaza Strip and areas of Israel bordering the territory are advised to monitor developments and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments. Some Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the Gaza Strip.