The crossings between Gaza and pre-1967 Israel opened early Friday morning for the first time in 12 days. The move, which came in response to international pressure, allowed the transfer of grains into the region through the massive conveyor belts at the Karni Crossing and delivery of 40 truck loads of medical supplies and basic food commodities through the Kerem Shalom Crossing.
Palestinian Authority Arab residents of Gaza who receive medical treatment in Israel were also allowed to cross through the Erez terminal to enter the Jewish State; however, this is not a change, since medical patients crossed through regularly regardless of attacks on Jewish communities in the western Negev. The Erez Crossing was only closed in response to specific security threats to the terminal itself and surrounding area.