Israeli authorities on Thursday 28 September reopened the country’s sole pedestrian crossing with Gaza Strip, which had been closed for two weeks amid ongoing violence along the border.

Footage shot on 27 September showed clashes at the border, which has happened on a near-daily basis in September.

Israeli forces have been targeted with explosive devices and gunfire and incendiary balloons are again being launched into Israeli territory. Gazans have also set fire to tires in the Strip.

On Tuesday evening, several Palestinians managed to breach the border fence and set a nearby Israel Defense Forces position alight.

On Wednesday night, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned that Jerusalem was ready for a possible conflict.

“We don’t want an escalation and are not seeking a fight, but if we arrive at a point where we need to act, Operation Shield And Arrow should be a reminder to all [Gaza-based] terror groups about the capabilities of [Israel’s] security apparatus,” Gallant said at a ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur war.

“If Israeli civilians or soldiers are harmed, we will not hesitate to use all of our power to ensure the safety of citizens and return quiet to the border,” added Gallant.

“The United Nations is talking to and working with all concerned to improve the lives of people in Gaza, particularly the most vulnerable,” U.N. Middle East peace envoy Tor Wennesland said on Wednesday.

“The situation inside the Strip is dire and we must avoid another conflict that will have grave consequences for all,” he added.

This footage was filmed and produced 27 September 2023.

Israeli authorities on Thursday reopened the country’s sole pedestrian crossing with Gaza Strip, which had been closed for two weeks amid ongoing violence along the border.

Gazans have staged violent riots along the border on a near-daily basis throughout the month, targeting Israeli forces with explosive devices and gunfire, renewing the launch of incendiary balloons into Israeli territory and setting fire to tires in the Strip.

On Tuesday evening, several Palestinians managed to breach the border fence and set alight a nearby Israel Defense Forces position.

On Wednesday night, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned that Jerusalem was ready for a possible conflict.

“We don’t want an escalation and are not seeking a fight, but if we arrive at a point where we need to act, ‘Operation Shield and Arrow’ should be a reminder to all [Gaza-based] terror groups about the capabilities of [Israel’s] security apparatus,” Gallant said at a ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur war.

“If Israeli civilians or soldiers are harmed, we will not hesitate to use all of our power to ensure the safety of citizens and return quiet to the border,” added Gallant.

“The United Nations is talking to and working with all concerned to improve the lives of people in Gaza, particularly the most vulnerable,” U.N. Middle East peace envoy Tor Wennesland said on Wednesday.

“The situation inside the Strip is dire and we must avoid another conflict that will have grave consequences for all,” he added.

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Gaza border;
2. various of Israeli soldiers and Palestinian protesters clashing near the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip.