Israel keeps Gaza crossings closed for third day
27 Jun 2008
JERUSALEM - Israel has refused for the third day in a row to fully open crossings with the Gaza Strip in retaliation for rocket attacks. The rockets and closure both constitute violations of a cease-fire that began June 19.
Israel says industrial fuel was transferred Friday into Gaza to run power stations. But Israeli army spokesman Peter Lerner says most crossings remain closed.
Lerner says Israel last let food into the Gaza Strip on Tuesday. On that day, the Islamic Jihad group fired three rockets at Israel, injuring two Israelis. The army says at least five rockets and mortars have landed in Israel since the truce began.
Israel has said repeatedly that it will not let a humanitarian crisis develop in the territory of 1.4 million Palestinians.