Israeli to open Kerem Shalom crossing

Israeli authorities decided Tuesday to open the Kerem Shalom crossing and allow limited goods and fuel into the Gaza Strip. Palestinian Authority liaison official Raed Fattouh told Palestinian (Ma'an) News Agency that Israeli officials will allow 260 trucks containing commercial and agricultural goods to enter the coastal enclave. Fattouh added that an additional 23 trucks containing iron and cement for internationally funded projects will enter the Strip via the only functioning crossing available for the 1.6 million people of Gaza. Israel has imposed a blockade on the Gaza Strip since 2007, severely limiting the import and export of goods. The blockade has been repeatedly condemned by human rights groups as a form of collective punishment.