The Back Alley Archives

Crossings into Gaza will be opened Friday to allow for the transition of humanitarian supplies to the Palestinian residents of the area, Defense Minister Ehud Barak announced Thursday evening.

The decision, reached despite Thursday's rocket fire on Israel's southern region, was based on recommendations by professionals in the defense establishment, as well as appeals from international sources. The crossings were set to be opened earlier in the week but remained closed following more Qassam attacks that emanated from the Hamas-controlled enclave.

On Friday morning, barring an unforeseen development, some 40 trucks loaded with basic provisions, including sugar, rice and flour will enter Gaza. Five of the trucks will be carrying goods donated by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's wife Suzanne. Wheat will be transferred into the Strip through the Karni crossing, and fuel trucks will enter through the Erez crossing.