GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Egypt is taking new steps in the Gaza Strip in a bid to reduce the tension that has recently escalated between Israel and Hamas, after Palestinian groups resumed the launching of incendiary balloons toward southern Israel on Aug. 6 following a two-month hiatus.
Israel responded to the fires ravaging the fields of southern Israel by bombing numerous Hamas military sites in Gaza. It partially closed the Kerem Shalom crossing on Aug. 11 and prevented the entry of construction materials and fuel derivatives into the Gaza Strip. This led Gaza’s sole power plant to shut down on Aug. 18. Also, Palestinian fishermen were completely prevented from accessing the sea off the Gaza Strip on Aug. 16.
