By NNN-KUNA,
Gaza : Israeli Minister of Defence Ehud Barak has ordered on Tuesday the partial opening of the Gaza Strip crossings, despite Monday night’s decision to close them in response to Palestinian mortar attacks.
The Israeli Yedioth Ahronoth daily’s website reported, “Barak’s new decision came after the Egyptian special request of Intelligence Chief Omar Suleiman.”
The daily said, “Crossings will reopen Tuesday noon, as Barak had ordered the closing of those crossings after a Palestinian mortar shell was launched from Gaza Strip towards Israel.”
It was the fourth time Israel had sealed off Gaza in response to Palestinian fire since the Egyptian-brokered ceasefire agreement took effect on June 19.
A Hamas delegation is expected in Cairo Tuesday and expected to meet with Egyptian officials to discuss the truce and recent Israeli violations.