Israel to reopen Gaza crossings at Egypt's request

Occupied Jerusalem: Israel has reversed its decision to close Gaza border crossings on Egypt's request, the Defence Ministry said on Tuesday.

“In response to a special request by the Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman, Defence Minister Ehud Barak agreed to open the crossings at noon (0900 GMT)," a Defence Ministry statement said.

Earlier Israel announced that all border crossings between Israel and the Gaza Strip, except one, were resealed on Tuesday, in response to a mortar attack a day earlier, Israeli officials said.

One mortar shell landed in southern Israel on Monday but caused no casualties or damage.

In return a defence official said: "All crossings, except for the Erez terminal, will be closed today because of the mortar fired yesterday."