Defence Minister Barak closes Israel-Gaza crossing after Qassam rocket attack

Defence Minister Ehud Barak yesterday ordered the closing of all border crossings between Israel and Gaza, in response to a Qassam rocket that was fired into the southern Israeli town of Sderot. The rocket was fired early on Sunday, marking a fresh violation of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The rocket landed in an open construction area, approximately 50 metres from residential buildings, and sparked a small brush fire. The Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attack, which caused no injuries. Israel's Ministry of Defence will evaluate the situation today to consider whether to continue the closure, which will depend on the security situation on the ground.

In the past, Israel has responded to rocket attacks in breach of the ceasefire by closing border crossings. The last incident occurred on 26 August, when two rockets were launched towards Israel. According to the head of the Israeli Security Agency, Yuval Diskin, 36 attacks have taken place since the truce was signed in June, which have mainly taken the form of rocket launches.

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