Erez Crossing

   Major crossing point on the boundary between Israel and the Gaza Strip. In times of peace, it has served as a major transit juncture for goods and Palestinian workers entering Israel. Pursuant to the Israel-Palestine Liberation Organization Economic Protocol of 29 April 1994 ("Paris Protocol"), an industrial park was established at the Erez Crossing to stimulate employment and other economic opportunity for the Palestinians. The crossing was frequently closed in response to increases in Palestinian violence and terror, and the industrial park lay dormant. Erez Crossing itself was the site of several serious terrorist attacks during the Al-Aksa intifada.

   See also Arab-Israeli Conflict.