Karni closed following terror alert

Crossing opened earlier in the day to allow transport of food, medicine.

By YAAKOV KATZ
karni crossing 298 88 ap (photo credit: AP [file])
karni crossing 298 88 ap
(photo credit: AP [file])
After being opened briefly earlier in the day, the Karni goods crossing was closed midday Thursday following alerts received of a planned terrorist attack. The crossing was opened on Thursday morning to allow the entry of 100 trucks into the Gaza Strip. It was initially planned to remain open until 6 p.m. Supplies entering the Palestinian territories included medical and food supplies sent by international humanitarian sources. Palestinian sources also said that the Rafah crossing was to be open until 3 p.m. to allow traffic between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. Israel Radio reported that there were 5,000 people on the Egyptian side of the border awaiting entry. As of late Thursday morning, the Gaza District Coordination Office had not yet approved the opening. The Karni crossing was opened once before, since the massive IDF offensive was launched last week, although the Rafah crossing has been closed at least since Cpl. Gilad Shalit was kidnapped last week.