Kerem Shalom is a solely commercial goods junction with Israel in southern Gaza. There are two other border crossings from and into the Gaza Strip - the Rafah crossing is the southernmost post of exit from Gaza and borders Egypt's Sinai peninsula, and Erez, a crossing for people into Israel in northern Gaza.

International pressure is mounting on Israel amid its renewed military operation in the Gaza strip, as both the United Kingdom and the European Union announced measures to distance themselves from the country on Tuesday.

The British government says it is suspending free trade negotiations with Israel and leveling new sanctions targeting West Bank settlers as it criticizes Israel’s military actions in Gaza.