The Erez crossing through which Gazan workers enter and exit Israel will reopen on Thursday after being closed for over a week due to daily violent riots along the Gaza border, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) announced on Wednesday night.
The decision was made despite the continuation of the riots and incendiary balloon launches on Wednesday afternoon. Dozens of Palestinians gathered on the border in the afternoon, setting off explosives, burning tires, and firing at Israeli forces near the border fence.
Two fires in southern Israel were sparked by incendiary balloons launched from Gaza on Wednesday as well.
The continued opening of the crossing will be subject to situation assessments and the stability of the security situation.
Riots have been taking place along the Gaza border for a number of weeks, with the violence escalating and including incendiary balloon launches in the past two weeks.
Gallant: ‘We will not hesitate to use the full force at our disposal’
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant addressed the violence on the Gaza border during a government ceremony marking 50 years since the Yom Kippur War on Wednesday, warning “we do not want an escalation and we are not aiming for battle, but if we get to a situation in which were it is necessary to act, Operation Shield and Arrow from a few months ago should serve as a reminder for every terrorist entity as to the capabilities of the defense establishment.”
“If Israeli citizens or IDF soldiers are harmed, we will not hesitate to use the full force at our disposal to ensure the safety of the citizens and to restore peace to the area,” added Gallant. “It’s important to remind the terrorist entities in Gaza what the actual balance of power is between the IDF and Hamas and its partners.”
IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari told KAN Reshet Bet radio earlier on Wednesday that the IDF was working to keep the situation limited to events along the fence. “The situation did not reach the residents of the communities near the border.”
Hagari stressed in the interview that “no concessions will be received through terrorism.”
The IDF spokesperson posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday as well that “whoever terrorizes us will be hurt to the point of being killed. We will not allow terrorism, we have room to breath and a wide toolbox. The IDF will continue to protect the borders in order to allow a peaceful holiday for the citizens of the State of Israel.”
United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland addressed the violence as well on Wednesday, posting on X that he was “deeply concerned by the escalating tensions in and around Gaza.”
“The situation inside the Strip is dire and we must avoid another conflict that will have grave consequences for all. The people of Gaza have suffered enough and deserve more than a return to calm. The United Nations is talking to and working with all concerned to improve the lives of people in Gaza, particularly the most vulnerable.”
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