Dozens of protesters said detained amid clashes at Kerem Shalom over aid to Gaza

Several dozen people are reported to have been detained by police amid clashes at Israel’s Kerem Shalom Crossing into Gaza, as they attempted to prevent humanitarian aid from entering the Strip.

Hebrew media reports put the numbers of those detained at anywhere between 18 and 40. There is no immediate comment from police.

The military had declared the area a closed military zone after days of protests by Israelis hindered the entry of goods through the crossing.

The demonstrators oppose support for Gaza while 136 Israelis are held hostage in the enclave.

Israeli leaders say the aid is necessary to enable Israel to continue operating freely against Hamas, amid intense international pressure and a desire to prevent a humanitarian disaster in the war-torn territory.

כ-40 מפגינים עוכבו בהפגנה שמתקיימת בשעה זו סמוך למעבר כרם שלום במטרה לעצור את הסיוע ההומניטרי לרצועת עזה pic.twitter.com/Iwc1IAAykD

— אריאל עידן (@Arielidan20) January 31, 2024