At the start, America tried to keep the gates open, brokering an Agreement on Movement and Access with Israel to allow the export from Gaza of hundreds of trucks of produce a day, regular bus convoys to and from the West Bank and the opening of a Palestinian-controlled crossing at Rafah to Egypt.

ECONOMIST: Israel and Gaza

The 10 EU monitors left the terminal and waited at the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom border crossing for calm to be restored, he said.

CNN: Gaza crossing to reopen after protest

The crossing is controlled by traffic lights, and spans two roads.

BBC: Council teaches people to use new Leek road crossing