22 Oct 2018 | 10:19 PM UTC
Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Israel reopens Gaza crossings October 21 /update 1
Israel reopens Erez and Kerem Shalom crossings into Gaza Strip October 21, allowing people and goods to pass following October 17 closure over Palestinian rocket attack
Event
Israeli authorities reportedly ordered the reopening of the Erez and Kerem Shalom crossings into the Gaza Strip on Sunday, October 21, allowing people and goods to again pass through the border checkpoints. Nevertheless, closures of the Israel-Gaza border are possible in response to further potential Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel.
Context
The October 17 border closures came after Palestinians fired several rockets from the Gaza Strip the same day; notably, one of the rockets hit the southern Israeli city of Beersheba. Additionally, in response to the rocket attacks, Israeli fighter jets launched airstrikes on some 20 sites, including Hamas targets, in the Gaza Strip, killing and wounding several people.
Advice
Individuals present in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to all instructions issued by their home governments. Some Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and areas near the Israeli-Lebanese, Israeli-Syrian, and Israeli-Egyptian borders.
