Israelis camp outside Gaza crossing to block aid entry

Dozens of Israelis set up tents outside a commercial crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip to block the entry of much-needed humanitarian aid to the war-torn Palestinian enclave. 

The Karem Abu Salem (Karem Shalom) crossing has been used by Israeli troops to inspect aid trucks before they enter Gaza. 

Despite severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli army on which food and medical items can enter, many Israelis still oppose allowing any humanitarian relief to reach the 2.3 million civilian population of Gaza. They say aid should be in exchange for the release of captives. 

The Israeli army declared the crossing a closed military zone late last month to prevent protesters from blocking the entry of aid trucks. 

However, hundreds of people managed to reach the area on Tuesday and blocked 132 trucks from crossing into Gaza. They have set up camp there to block any further convoys.