The UN agency for Palestinian refugees says Israel’s new restrictions at the main commercial crossing into the Gaza Strip will worsen living conditions there.
Agency spokesman Chris Gunness says it could have “profound and far-reaching consequences for already desperate civilians.”
Gaza is home to nearly 2 million people, 80 percent of whom rely on humanitarian aid.
Israel this week shut Kerem Shalem, the only cargo crossing with Gaza, in response to incendiary kites and balloons sent across the frontier into Israel. It is still allowing food, medicine and humanitarian aid in through the crossing.
Kerem Shalom has been subject to a strict blockade by both Israel and Egypt for the past 11 years, meant to prevent terrorist groups from bringing weapons into the Strip.
The crossing has been closed a number of times in the past three months after sustaining damage from fires set by Palestinian protesters.
— with Agencies
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