The office of the Israeli war Minister, Avigdor Lieberman, issued a statement saying that Lieberman ordered the close of the Beit Hanoun crossing, in response to the continuing of “The Great March of Return” protests, during which 171 Palestinians have been killed and over 18,000 injured by Israeli occupation forces.

Muhammad Maqadmeh, media official of the Palestinian Civil Affairs Commission, said “Israeli authorities informed the commission regarding the closure of Beit Hanoun crossing since Sunday morning and that it will be closed for those traveling outside of Gaza, while for Palestinians returning to Gaza, it will remain open.”

Maqadmeh explained the reason reported by Israeli authorities for the unexpected closure was “The naval march being organized by the Palestinians on Saturday near the northern border of Gaza and the continuing of the return marches along the eastern border.”

Maqadmeh confirmed that the crossing will be closed to the movement of Palestinians traveling outside of Gaza until further notice.

The Beit Hanoun crossing is the only operating crossing used for the movement of people between Israel and the besieged Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank. The crossing is under full Israeli control.