Palestinians protest against closure of commercial crossing in Gaza

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Palestinian truck owners demonstrated in response to the Israeli decision to close the Karni crossing permanently at the end of the month. Also known as the Al-Mentar crossing, the Karni crossing is a key commercial crossing point between the eastern Gaza Strip and Israel.
 
The protestors called on the international community to apply pressure on Israel to open all the crossings and to help bring an end to the illegal siege of Gaza. Protestors also called on the President Mahmoud Abbas and the Legislative Council to investigate these closures and hold those responsible accountable. They urged the international Quartet and the state of Turkey to intervene and prevent, what has been seen as an attempt to tighten the blockade surrounding the Strip.

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There have been suggestions that the PA had been informed of al-Mentar crossing being closed down and making the Kerem Shalom crossing the main commercial route in the South Eastern border of the Strip.
 
The protestors further called for an independent commission to be established at all crossings to ensure that Palestinians in Gaza have access to essential goods and medical aid without fear of being cut off.

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MEMO Photographer: Mohammed Asad