Palestinian truck drivers suspended work Sunday at the only operating commercial crossing between the Gaza Strip and Israel, protesting Israeli closure of another crossing point that was more convenient for the drivers.
The drivers pitched a tent at Kerem Shalom crossing in the southeastern end of the Gaza Strip and refused to pull trailers coming from the Israeli side of the crossing, demanding the opening of Karni crossing point in Gaza City.
Israel announced last week to shut down Karni crossing permanently. For the drivers, the journey to Kerem Shalom takes more time and fuel, and its capacity is notably less than Karni.
"Kerem Shalom is only an empty big land; there are no premises, toilets or even electricity," said Jehad Islim, a representative of the drivers.
In Karni, there were more than 20 conveyer belts for moving wheat, animal fodder and other kinds of seeds, while Kerem Shalom does not even have the infrastructure.
The Palestinians said closing Karni crossing tightens an Israeli blockade that has been imposed on Gaza since Hamas took over the territory in 2007. They also said Israel is trying to withdraw a series of facilitation towards Gaza that took effect following Israel's fatal raid on a Gaza-bound Turkish aid flotilla last year.