Israel reopens Kerem Shalom border crossing for Gaza aid supply

Israel on Wednesday (May 8) said it had reopened the Kerem Shalom border crossing for humanitarian aid for Gaza. The bridge was closed four days ago in response to a rocket attack that killed four Israeli soldiers.

"Trucks from Egypt carrying humanitarian aid, including food, water, shelter equipment, medicine and medical equipment provided by the international community are already arriving at the crossing," the army said in a joint statement with COGAT, the defence ministry body that oversees Palestinian civil affairs.

Watch:Israel seizes Rafah: Aid to Gaza choked off due to border closure

The supplies will be transferred to the Gaza side of the crossing after undergoing inspection, it added.

The Erez border crossing between Israel and northern Gaza is open for aid deliveries into the Palestinian territory, the statement said.

Israel closed the Kerem Shalom crossing after a Hamas rocket attack killed four soldiers and wounded more than a dozen on Sunday (May 5).

On Tuesday (May 7), Israeli troops seized control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt after launching an invasion into the eastern sector of the city.

The United Nations and Israel's staunchest ally the United States both condemned the closure of the two crossings which are a lifeline for civilians facing looming famine.

(With inputs from agencies)