Security checks at roadblocks (Archive photo)
Photo: Ronen Boidek
IDF lifts closure on Gaza, West Bank
Following assessment of circumstances, defense establishment decides to lift blockade imposed before Rosh Hashana. Karni goods crossing, Nahal Oz petrol depot opened
The defense establishment on Monday morning decided to lift the temporary blockade imposed on the West Bank and Gaza strip following an assessment of the circumstances.
On Monday, the Karni goods crossing into Gaza is expected to open, as will the petrol terminal at Nahal Oz, Gaza’s source of petrol and natural Gaza.
The Israel Defense Forces emphasized that the period of the High Holidays was thought to be an especially sensitive and violence-prone time, and therefore it would remain on high alert at points of particular friction and would thoroughly check vehicles crossing through.
On the eve of the Rosh Hashana holiday, police raised alert to the highest level across the country, fearing terror attacks. At the time it was noted that warnings particularly pertained to intended suicide bombings, kidnappings, shooting attacks and Qassam attacks from northern Samaria and the Gaza Strip.
Thousands of police officers, Border Guard troops, volunteers from the Civil Guard, and IDF soldiers deployed at sensitive locations around the country.
A senior military source in the Central Command said over the weekend, “There are always attempts to direct and encourage terror attacks. Nablus is the biggest hotbed of terrorism in the West Bank.”
“There is a virtual quiet now and the defense establishment is constantly busy carrying our operations against the (terror) organizations,” he added.
