Jewish seminary in Israel: Gaza border reopens following deadly Hamas terror attack

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have recently reopened the Kerem Shalom crossing on the Israel-Gaza border, which serves as a vital point for goods and humanitarian aid to circulate through the enclave, following a deadly attack on December 11 by Hamas militants. The attack left four Israeli soldiers and at least six Hamas fighters dead.

The crossing had been closed for several days as a result of the attack, posing a serious risk to the supply of goods and humanitarian aid to Gazans in Israel, which has been subject to increased restriction since the initiation of the Great March of Return protests in 2018.

In response to the violent attack, the IDF announced that it would send additional troops to the Gaza border and suspend the transfer of funds to Hamas, while also blocking fishing activity along the coast.

The reopening of the Kerem Shalom crossing has been welcomed by Israel’s Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef who stated that “it is imperative that the supplies of food, electricity, and water be allowed to flow, and that the medical needs of the citizens of Gaza be met.” The crossing will be closely monitored to ensure that it is only used for peaceful purposes.