Gaza's Karni crossing
Photo: Gadi Kablo
Gaza's Karni crossing reopens
After more than a month, Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz decides to reopen crossings in northern, southern Gaza Strip; Mofaz briefs U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, says Palestinian terrorists cross through Rafah crossing
The Karni crossing in the northern Gaza Strip, used to transport goods, reopened Sunday for the first time in more than a month for the delivery of humanitarian equipment and goods into the Gaza Strip and transportation of agricultural products from the Strip, Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz ruled.
The Karni crossing was closed following warnings regarding attempts to carry out a terror attack in the area. Mofaz made the decision to reopen the crossing following consultations with security officials.
Meanwhile, the Sufah crossing in the southern Strip was also reopened for the delivery of agricultural products into Gaza. Mofaz informed the United States that the Palestinians object to the opening of the Kerem Shalom crossing to the transfer of goods for "non-substantive reasons."
Mofaz spoke to U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and briefed her on the plan to reopen the crossings.
In the conversation, the defense minister expressed his anger over what was taking place in the Rafah crossing between the Strip and Egypt. According to Israel, terrorists are passing through the area, including "blacklisted people," Mofaz said.
Referring to the Hamas government expected to be formed in the coming days, Mofaz made it clear to Rice that things "may be more complicated" from now on.
The defense minister implied that a Palestinian authority led by Hamas will complicate any Israeli decision making. While today Israel delivers to the Palestinians information on plans to carry out terror attacks at the Karni crossing and names of prominent terror activists, it is doubtful whether this will take place with Hamas heading security organizations.
IDF kills Palestinian near border fence
The defense establishment is expected to draft a series of recommendations once the Hamas government is established and begins its work, in a bid to refrain from hurting Palestinians not involved in terrorism.
On the other hand, new information on plans to carry out attacks may lead to the crossings being closed again. Mofaz himself admitted in a Ynet interview several days ago that in the near future the Karni crossing may be opened "on and off" in accordance with developments.
Meanwhile, Palestinian security forces reported that IDF soldiers killed a Palestinian teen near the Gaza border fence Saturday evening. The Palestinians identified the teen as Hamed Hamdan, a 16-year-old from the Gaza town of Dir al-Balah.
IDF officials said in response that the Palestinian tried to infiltrate Israel and apparently place an explosive device.
In the meantime, the IDF attacked four access routes to Qassam launching sites in the northern and central Gaza Strip following the launching of two rockets at Israel. One of the rockets landed in the Ashkelon area.
The IDF attacks were aimed at making it difficult for terrorists to approach the launching sites and disrupt their attempts to fire at Israel, army officials said.
