Israel reopened crossing points with Gaza on Thursday, allowing thousands of Palestinian workers to get to their jobs in Israel and the West Bank, after nearly two weeks of closure prompted by violent protests along the border, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) announced Wednesday night.
Around 18,000 Gazans have permits from Israeli authorities to work outside the blockaded enclave, providing an injection of cash amounting to some $2 million a day to the impoverished territory’s economy.
The move comes amid stepped-up international efforts by Egypt and the United Nations to defuse tensions and prevent a new round of armed conflict in the enclave. Riots that have gone on for nearly two weeks, as well as incendiary balloon launches on Wednesday afternoon preempted the announcement. Dozens of Palestinians gathered on the border, 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. A Palestinian official familiar with mediation efforts told Reuters the development came “upon the request of mediators to de-escalate tensions.”
Gallant: we do not want an escalation
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. “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.”
Desperate to go back to their jobs, workers began to flock to the Palestinian side of the crossing soon after Israel made the announcement late on Wednesday.
“We want to go to work and earn a living for our children, because the situation was too bad for us the past two weeks,” said Khaled Zurub, 57, who works in construction in Israel.
IDF: working to keep the situation limited
IDF Spokesman 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 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.”
According to IMF figures, per capita income in Gaza is only a quarter of that of Palestinians in the West Bank. The World Bank says unemployment is nearly 50%.
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