November 4, 2014. The Israel-Gaza border crossings, Erez and Kerem Shalom, were opened today after a two-day shut down. The crossings were closed in response to the firing of a rocket from Gaza towards Israel on Friday evening. Gisha protested the decision to close the crossings. Targeting the civilian population is not a legitimate response to rocket fire which itself contravenes international law.
Yesterday, Israel allowed 35 truckloads of fuel to enter Gaza via Kerem Shalom crossing, the only commercial crossing in the Gaza Strip. On Sunday, no fuel was allowed in. Travel through Erez was blocked over the past two days with the exception of extremely urgent medical cases. On Sunday, for instance, only 42 medical patients and their companions exited the Gaza Strip. On Monday, in the early morning hours, about 25 medical patients and companions exited.
The first shipment of fish from the Gaza Strip to the West Bank since 2007 was due to take place yesterday. The shipment was cancelled due to the crossing closure, and may not take place this week at all due to rough seas which make fishing difficult. No shipment of produce from Gaza to the West Bank has taken place as of yet, though preparations have been made over the past few weeks.