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ISRAEL-GAZA-VIOLENCE
Israel shuts Gaza crossing over violence
JERUSALEM, Aug 19, 2018 (BSS/XINHUA) – Israel said on Sunday it had closed
its crossing for people with the Gaza Strip following violence along the
fence during the weekend.
Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said in a statement he decided to
temporarily shut down the Erez Crossing, except for humanitarian cases.
On Friday, Palestinians renewed the protest near the border between Israel
and Gaza. Israel said Molotov cocktails and explosives were hurled towards
Israeli forces during the rally. The Israeli army responded with tear gas and
live fire, killing two people and injured 60 others.
The violence occurred amidst stalled Egyptian-brokered cease-fire between
Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian organization that runs the besieged
enclave.
In recent weeks, the escalation between Israel and Hamas have reached
almost a full-fledged war. It came after months-long protests against the 11-
year long blockade that Israel and Egypt have imposed on Gaza.
Since March 30, Israeli forces have killed at least 166 Palestinians,
including 123 protestors.
BSS/XINHUA/ARS/1624 hrs