Hamas partially reopens key Gaza crossing
gaza city — Hamas authorities partially reopened the crossing between the Gaza Strip and Israel on Monday, after a one-day closure following the assassination of one of the group’s leaders.
“From Monday morning, travel through the Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing will be permitted temporarily for some categories,” a statement from Iyad Al Bozum, a spokesman for the interior ministry in the Palestinian enclave, said.
Anyone would be allowed to enter Gaza, the statement said, but those leaving would remain restricted to senior politicians, the sick and families of prisoners.
The latter two groups would be age-limited — only those under 15 and over 45. Hamas, which runs the Gaza Strip, closed the crossing totally on Sunday after blaming the Jewish state for the assassination of one of its senior officials.
Mazen Faqha, 38, who was shot dead by unknown gunmen Friday, with Hamas officials blaming the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad and its “collaborators.”
He was killed by four bullets from a pistol equipped with a silencer on Friday.
Hamas did not give details on the reason for closing the crossing, though there was speculation authorities may be seeking to prevent those responsible for the killing from leaving.
Israel has not commented on the shooting.
According to Hamas, Faqha formed cells for the militant group’s military wing in the West Bank cities of Tubas, where he was born, and Jenin.
Faqha’s funeral on Saturday drew thousands of Hamas supporters into the streets with chants of “revenge” and “death to Israel.”
Ismail Haniya, until recently head of Hamas in Gaza, and Yahya Sinwar, who replaced him as leader, headed the procession. The Erez crossing is the only one between Gaza and Israel for people. Another crossing with Israel, Kerem Shalom, is used for goods and remained open on Sunday, Palestinian officials said. The Gaza Strip has been under an Israeli blockade for a decade. —