This Is What Israel Is Doing in Gaza. Terrible?

18 November 2012

Announcement of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Activity

Summary of Kerem Shalom and Erez crossings on November 18th

COGAT Spokesman announces that today, November 18th, Israel opened the Kerem Shalom and Erez Crossings, transferring goods into the Gaza strip, and enabling foreign diplomats and patients to enter Israel. Today, 80 truckloads of medical equipment and food were transferred into Gaza. The crossings were opened in spite of the security threat facing the staff assigned to man the crossings. The goods transferred via Kerem Shalom included 16 truckloads of medical equipment, specifically vital equipment, such as medicines, anesthetics and disposable medical equipment and 64 truckloads of food.

At Erez terminal, 35 diplomatic representatives and international organization employees exited Gaza. Additionally, the Gaza CLA coordinated the exit of 26 patients and their escorts into Israel in order to receive medical treatment. The opening of the crossings was facilitated by the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, Maj. Gen. Eitan Dangot, in conjunction with senior Palestinian Authority officials and members of the international community. Israel is committed to provide continued humanitarian services and cooperation for the benefit of the uninvolved civilians residing in the Gaza Strip.

While Israel is comitted to providing continued assistance, it is subject to the limitations created by continuous rocket fire and attacks on the part of Hamas and other extremists groups in Gaza. Rocket attacks endanger the staff manning the crossing and often hinder or prevent the transfer of goods.

The IDF will continue to take measures to thwart terrorist attacks emanating from the Gaza Strip, while distinguishing between the terrorists and uninvolved civilians.

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