Israel closes two main crossings to Gaza

By Said Amuri and Yusuf Mahmud

JERUSALEM

Israeli authorities said Wednesday that the crossing points of Karm Abu Salem (Kerem ) and Erez to Gaza would be closed for "security concerns".

Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee said in a statement that the crossings would not be open as of Wednesday in light of the latest developments.

He also said the Israeli army attacked a military base of Hamas in response to alleged rocket attacks earlier from the Gaza Strip.

Palestinian security sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Israeli jets fired at three military targets of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian Hamas movement.

No casualties were reported so far.

Tension has risen across the West Bank and Gaza Strip following the U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision last week to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

That city remains at the heart of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem – occupied by Israel since 1967 -- might eventually serve as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

By Said Amuri and Yusuf Mahmud

JERUSALEM

Israeli authorities said Wednesday that the crossing points of Karm Abu Salem (Kerem ) and Erez to Gaza would be closed for "security concerns".

Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee said in a statement that the crossings would not be open as of Wednesday in light of the latest developments.

He also said the Israeli army attacked a military base of Hamas in response to alleged rocket attacks earlier from the Gaza Strip.

No casualties were reported so far.

Tension has risen across the West Bank and Gaza Strip following the U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision last week to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.