GAZA, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Pro-Hamas activists warned on Monday that the Israeli closure of the sole commercial crossing would worsen the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
Jamal al-Khoudari, chairman of the Popular Committee Against the Israeli Siege of Gaza, said in an emailed statement that Israel's decision "to close Kerem Shalom is a new measure to tighten the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip for 12 years."
He warned that the decision to prevent export and import through the commercial crossing on the border between the southeastern Gaza Strip and Israel will double the suffering of the people in Gaza.
Earlier on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the closure of Kerem Shalom commercial crossing point for export and import, only allowing the shipment of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The Israeli government also decided to reduce the area allowed for fishing in the sea of Gaza from nine nautical miles to six nautical miles, according to the Israeli media.
The Israeli government's decision to close the commercial crossing was an response to the flaming kites and balloons flying from Gaza into Israel, which caused large fires and losses in the Israeli territory.
Releasing flaming kites and balloons from Gaza into Israel was part of what the Palestinians call "the Great March of Return" rally, which began on March 30.
The marches turned violent after Israeli border troops opened fire at the Palestinian protesters, killing more than 130 and wounding around 15,000 others.
"Kerem Shalom is the only commercial crossing for Gaza, although it was partially operating and it does not meet the real demand of the Gaza Strip," said al-Khoudari.
"The arbitrary closure of the crossing would double the population's suffering," he added.
Meanwhile, Raed Fattouh, a member of the Palestinian liaison and coordinator of the goods shipment at Kerem Shalom crossing, said in a statement that Israel has informed the liaison office about the closure of the commercial crossing.
"The Israeli side officially informed us that the shipment of goods and all kinds of products are banned except for food, medical aid, wheat, livestock and fuel," said Fattouh.
