A Gazan gunman opened fire at Israeli forces operating along the border on Thursday, amid ongoing riots and the continued closure of crossings.
A video released by the Israel Police showed a Gazan armed with a pistol shooting at Israel Border Police officers near the Israeli security barrier. The Border Police said that they had returned fire and hit the assailant. Army Radio reported that the gunman was killed and Israeli forces suffered no casualties.
In light of the ongoing riots and terrorist attacks launched along the security barrier, the Defense Minister and IDF Chief of Staff decided at a security situation assessment on Wednesday night that crossings from the Gaza Strip to Israel will remain closed to Palestinian workers.
“The opening of the crossing will occur according to the assessment of the situation,” said the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories on Thursday morning.
Gaza border tensions on Tuesday and Wednesday
Over a hundred Gazans rioted at the security barrier on Wednesday, with explosive devices set off by the rioters. The military had employed anti-riot measures, and said that shooting hits were confirmed.
The IDF said that it was reviewing the engagement on Tuesday in which rioters hurled explosive devices at soldiers oppositive the Khan Yunis security barrier. The IDF confirmed hits, but did not elaborate further on the incident that according to Palestinian media saw the death of Yousef Salem Radwan, 25.
“The IDF will continue to protect the civilians in the area surrounding the Gaza Strip, including against the violent riots, and will not allow any harm to the security of the civilians and to the soldiers operating on the front,” said the IDF.
The crossing was closed during the Rosh Hashanah holiday, and continued to be closed in the following days due to ongoing violence. Thousands of Gazans with work permits have been unable to enter Israel.
Last Wednesday hundreds of rioters arrived at the northern border, some reportedly throwing grenades. The Quds News Network reported that at least two Gazans were killed in a “suspicious body explosion,” likely corresponding to a reported failed launch of an explosive device into Israel.
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