Erez Crossing into Gaza
Erez Crossing into Gazaphoto: file

Israel shut down the Gaza crossings Tuesday morning following another two Kassam rockets that Gaza terrorists fired on the western Negev Monday night. The government had opened the crossings on Sunday despite continued attacks two days before. No explanation was given for the change in policy.

The Hamas-controlled Palestinian Authority in Gaza promised it would crack down on terrorist violations of the oft-broken truce. Hamas considers the closings a violation of the ceasefire agreement, which calls for a total halt in

Fatah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad, have attacked on at least five different occasions.

rocket attacks and mortar shelling and the opening of the routes to Gaza for goods and merchandise.

Monday night's rockets hit open areas and did not cause damage or injuries. Gaza-based terrorists, including those from Fatah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad, have attacked on at least five different occasions since the ceasefire went into effect; one of the Kassam rockets caused light injuries and shock.

Israel also has warned Hamas that it will begin to fire warning shots at Arabs who approach the Gaza separation barrier, where terrorists often plant bombs. Hamas has objected to a suggestion by Israel that the area near the barrier be declared a special security zone.

Hamas has claimed that Israeli soldiers fired several times since the ceasefire went into effect, and United Nations officials have accepted the Arab complaints. The IDF said it fired once.

Sunday's resumption of opening the crossings prompted immediate complaints by Hamas that the number of trucks allowed to cross was less than promised and that fuel deliveries did not include benzene.