Israel freezes new work permits for Gazans after rocket strikes

Jerusalem, July 16 (EFE).- Israel has revoked its decision to expand the quota of work permits for Gazan Palestinians to 15,500 after the latest rocket strike from the Hamas-controlled territory.

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) announced last week that the current allotment of 14,000 permits would be increased by 1,500.

“Following evaluation of the security situation this evening (Saturday), Defense Minister Benny Gantz decided to suspend his decision from last week to raise the quota of entry permits granted to Palestinian residents of the Gaza Strip for purposes of work and commerce,” a COGAT statement said.

“The decision was made in the wake of a rocket fire directed at the State of Israel.”

According to the Israeli military, suspected Palestinian militants launched four rockets from Gaza into Israeli territory on Saturday.

The rockets were fired at the Israeli cities of Ashkelon and Ahuzam near the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by the Hamas militant group.

One of the rockets was intercepted by the army’s air defense system, while the others landed in open areas with no injuries.

The Israeli Defense Forces launched an airstrike on a Hamas military site in central Gaza in response to the rocket attacks.

Hamas has dominated the Gaza Strip for 15 years and is labeled a terrorist organization by Israel and the US.

The latest missile strike occurred only hours after President Biden arrived in Israel as part of a three-day Middle East tour that included a stop in Saudi Arabia.

The rocket strike was not immediately claimed by any Palestinian organization.

Israel typically considers Hamas accountable for all missiles launched from Gaza.

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