Hamas has ratcheted tensions and taken control of a crucial border crossing into Israel that had been overseen by a Palestinian Authority appointee.
The move is laden with controversy. Israel has worked with the Palestinian Authority at this crossing for some time and has refused to cooperate with any member of Hamas, United Press International reports.
This is the same crossing Israel closed nearly a week ago, after a rocket was fired from Hamas-controlled Gaza into the Ashkelon, an Israeli southern city, UPI reported. Israel was due to reopen the crossing, but the Hamas announcement could change that.
Dozens of trucks sat idle at the crossing on Monday, waiting for the go-ahead from Israeli government officials to cross into the Gaza Strip and deliver goods, UPI reported. About 400 more had scheduled deliveries, UPI said.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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