Qatar mediates opening of Gaza-Israel crossing channel which ends protests

WORLD  29 September 2023 - 22:03

Qatar has announced the successful mediation of an agreement between Israel and Gaza Strip officials, resulting in the reopening of important crossing points.

According to Al Jazeera's report, on September 28, the Beit Hanoun crossings were reopened through an informal agreement facilitated by Qatar, amid a flurry of diplomatic efforts involving Egypt, Israel, and the Palestinian political-military party Hamas. These crossings had remained closed for nearly two weeks, prompting massive demonstrations and outbreaks of violence by Palestinian workers. 

This development comes after Israel had temporarily shut down the crossing, referred to by them as "Erez," with Gaza in anticipation of the Rosh Hashanah Jewish holiday.

Qatar's envoy to Gaza, Mohammad al-Emadi, emphasized the dire situation in the Gaza Strip and the need to avoid further conflict. He stated, "The situation in the Gaza Strip is dire and another conflict will only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. Qatar has worked and succeeded in de-escalating the situation in the Gaza Strip by mediating an understanding to reopen the Erez crossing for Palestinian workers."

The reopening of these crossing points now enables thousands of Palestinian workers to resume their jobs in Israel and the occupied West Bank. Approximately 18,000 Gazans hold permits from Israeli authorities to work outside the blockaded enclave, injecting around $2 million a day into the impoverished territory's economy.

Cogat, the Israeli defense ministry agency responsible for coordinating with the Palestinians, has stated that security assessments will determine whether the Gaza crossing point remains open.

Caliber.Az