Israel made an agreement (part of the cease-fire agreement) that the crossings would be open to normal commerce and to allow those in Gaza who cannot get medical treatment in Gaza to purchase it in Israel. This agreement was made with full knowledge that Hamas is holding Gilad Shalit and that progress towards release of Gilad Shalit would depend to some extent on how the cease-fire agreement worked.
Both sides have violated the agreement. Hamas has shot off or allowed about 18 rockets or mortar rounds. Fortunately, no casualties - little damage. Israel has shot at Palestinians inside Gaza and fishermen off the coast, wounded 4 and killed one, all unarmed. And every time a rocket or mortar goes off, Israel seals the border to commerce and medical treatment for a day or two.
What Israel gets in return for reopening the crossings and allowing medical care is an absence of rockets landing in Sderot.
Israel gives nothing. It allow purchases. |
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