GAZA, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Israel on Monday reopened Erez crossing on the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel after a week-long closure, according to the Palestinian Authority committee which runs crossing points with Israel.

The committee said Erez crossing point is the only crossing point for Palestinians, including patients who need medical treatment, businessmen and merchants.

The closure of the crossing one week ago was made to pressure on Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip to keep the border areas with Israel calm, according to Israeli media reports.

The committee added that during the closure, Israel only allowed through patients in need of urgent medical treatment, international aid workers and representatives of foreign humanitarian organizations.

Israel said reopening the crossing came following relative calm in the Gaza Strip and a significant decrease in releasing arson balloons and kites from the coastal enclave into Israel.

The 2 million Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip rely on Erez crossing to travel to Israel, the West Bank and Jordan. However, Israel keeps tight restrictions on the movement of Palestinians.