CRS-481

Israel Closes Gaza Border Crossings

Israel, in response to bombings, closed off all access to Gaza. This action will prevent necessities such as food and humanitarian supplies from reaching the coastal strip. This is an effort to stop the unnecessary "barrage of rocket attacks on Israeli towns".

Israel is trying to pressure Hamas rulers to cease and desist rocket launches that have damaged at least one daycare. Israel retaliated by shooting down many of the rockets which inadvertently caused two deaths. Subsequently 19 Palestinians were killed in response to the anti-rocket raid, these deaths include that of the son of a prominent Hamas leader.

Several trucks carrying supplies were turned away, said Defense Ministry spokesman Shlomo Dror. "It's time that Hamas decide to either fight or take care of its people," Dror said.

(Associated Press, 2008)