Israel reopened the main Beit Hanoun crossing with the Gaza Strip on Thursday, allowing thousands of Palestinian workers to return to their jobs in Israel and the West Bank after nearly two weeks of closure due to violent protests at the border. The move comes amidst intensive international efforts from Egypt and the United Nations to de-escalate tensions and prevent a new round of armed conflict in the region.
In an effort to return to their jobs, workers began streaming to the Palestinian side of the crossing shortly after the Israeli announcement made late Wednesday.
For about two weeks, clashes have occurred between protesters and Israeli forces at the border, where demonstrators have thrown stones and homemade explosive devices at soldiers, and the troops have responded with live ammunition, resulting in at least one death and dozens of injuries.
Israel has restricted the entry of many goods into Gaza citing security concerns, while Egypt has tightened its controls along its border with the territory. Israel also retains the right to restrict exports. According to International Monetary Fund figures, per capita income in Gaza is less than a quarter of that in the occupied West Bank, while the World Bank states that the unemployment rate is around 50 percent.
