GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon announced on May 3 that Israel would reopen the Erez/Beit Hanoun crossing in northeastern Gaza, after eight years of closure, to allow the entry of goods. Among the reasons for the opening, Ya’alon cited relieving pressure on the Kerem Shalom border crossing in southeastern Gaza, the only point through which goods and humanitarian aid are currently allowed to enter. Around 500-700 trucks make the crossing daily. Some 50% of the goods now entering through Kerem Shalom will arrive via Erez/Beit Hanoun, according to Ya’alon.

An economic report issued April 13 by Gaza’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce showed that during the first quarter of 2016, the number of trucks entering Gaza increased, reaching 33,006, compared to 16,978 for the first quarter of 2015. The figure for the first quarter of 2014 had been 11,303, down from 13,445 for the first quarter of 2013.

Nazmi Muhanna, director-general of the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) general administration for border crossings, told Al-Monitor that gradual Israeli steps, like opening the Erez/Beit Hanoun crossing, will not solve the economic problems plaguing Gaza, which has been under siege for almost 10 years. “Even if the Erez/Beit Hanoun crossing were opened for trade, the economic situation would remain as is,” said Muhanna. “All commercial crossings must be opened, since the basic materials that enter into Gaza through Kerem Shalom only covers 15-20% of Gaza’s needs.”

Although Israel has informed the PA of its decision to open Erez/Beit Hanoun for trade, Muhanna said it is unsuitable as a commercial crossing in its current state and would require months of work to rehabilitate it.