JERUSALEM, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman ordered on Sunday to reopen the two main crossings between the Gaza Strip and Israel, which were closed last week amid border violence.
A statement released by the Israeli Defense Ministry said that following consultations with security officials, Lieberman had instructed the army to reopen the Erez Crossing, Gaza's main pedestrian passage to Israel, and the Kerem Shalom Crossing, a cargo and goods passage.
"The decision was made following a decrease in violent incidents in Gaza over the weekend and restraining efforts by Hamas," the statement read.
Israel shut down the passage on Wednesday following a flare-up, which included a rocket fired by Gaza militants that hit a house in southern Israel. Israel responded with air strikes.
The escalation happened amid efforts by Egypt and the United Nations to broker a ceasefire. Live Israeli fire has killed at least 156 Palestinians.
