Officials provide conflicting claims about activity at Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza

Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the activity at the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza, with Israeli officials and Palestinian border authorities providing differing claims.

According to the Israeli government and its Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) unit, the Kerem Shalom crossing was reopened on Wednesday after being closed due to rocket fire by the Hamas terrorist organization. COGAT released video footage showing aid trucks entering the crossing and being unloaded by workers, although it was unclear if the trucks had crossed into Gaza after undergoing security inspections.

On the other hand, Palestinian border authorities denied Israeli claims, stating that no aid trucks had entered the strip. They also reported that Palestinian employees were fired upon while approaching the crossing, an incident confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The IDF is currently investigating the incident and providing medical treatment to those injured. Despite the denials from the Palestinian side, the IDF reiterated that the Kerem Shalom crossing is open for the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and that operational activities on the Gazan side of the crossing are ongoing.

The conflicting claims have raised questions about the situation at the Kerem Shalom crossing and the delivery of aid to Gaza. The discrepancies between the Israeli and Palestinian reports highlight the complex and tense dynamics in the region. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.