Kerem Shalom (Karem Abu Salem) Site

Kerem Shalom—also referred to as “Kibbutz Kerem Shalom”—is described as one of the most fortified locations in the region. It is situated approximately 300 meters from the borders of Gaza, Israel, and Egypt, forming a strategic border crossing point between the three areas.

The site was established following the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip in 1967. It includes residential housing for 13 settler families, in addition to Israeli military encampments and installations. As of 2015, the total number of settlers residing there was approximately 119.

Due to the significant presence of Israeli military forces, the site has become a point of direct confrontation with Palestinian resistance forces.

Notably, it was from this location that Palestinian fighters captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in 2006. In subsequent years, the Israeli occupation authorities utilized the site as the primary crossing for fuel and goods into Gaza, making it a critical chokepoint for control over the Strip.

During Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7, 2023, Palestinian resistance forces gained full control of the site. They seized military equipment and vehicles, and armed clashes took place between resistance fighters and Israeli occupation forces in and around the area.

Sources:
Due to the scarcity of Arabic-language sources, Hebrew sources were used, including:

• The official Hebrew website of the settlement
• The “Israeli” Central Bureau of Statistics