Despite repeated violations of the ceasefire accord, Defense Minister Ehud Barak has announced that he will be opening the Nachal Oz fuel depot on Friday to permit a limited amount of fuel into the Palestinian Authority. Other border crossings between Israel and Gaza will remain closed.

For the past days, there have been Kassam rockets and mortar shells fired into Israel, with different terror organization claiming responsibility while Hamas condemns the attacks. Gaza-based terror organizations blame Israel for “ceasefire violations” due to Jerusalem’s decision to keep border crossings closed.

Despite calls for a stern military response to the violations, Barak appears to prefer restraint at present, most likely fearing any retaliation at present would complicate ongoing efforts towards obtaining the release of Gilad Shalit.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)