Tensions ease as Israel reopens main Gaza crossing for Palestinian labourers

Palestinian workers enter Israel after crossing from Gaza on the Israeli side of Erez crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip in March 2022 (Oded Balilty/AP)

Israel has reopened a main crossing with the Gaza Strip, easing tensions and allowing thousands of Palestinian labourers to enter the country for the first time since it was sealed earlier this month.

The opening of the crossing is a sign of de-escalation after two weeks of violent protests along Gaza’s frontier with Israel, where Palestinian demonstrators have thrown explosives and rocks and launched incendiary balloons which have sparked fires in Israeli farmland.