'No more Palestinian workers as of 2008'
During visit to Erez border crossing in Gaza Strip, Mofaz says from 2008 Palestinian workers will no longer be allowed to work in Israel
EREZ CROSSING - As of 2008, Palestinian workers from the Gaza Strip will no longer be allowed to enter Israel and will have to find work in the Palestinian Authority, Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said Tuesday during a visit to the Erez border crossing in the Gaza Strip.
Mofaz was touring the area in order to examine security arrangements in preparation for the disengagement.
"We are hoping that by 2008 the economic situation
Until such time, he said, Israel would allow Palestinians to work in Israel.
"Part of the disengagement plan states that contributing nations and the World Bank will be involved in improving the Palestinian Authority's economy, along with Israeli support," he said.
Palestinian economic self-sufficiency
The plan is that over time job opportunities will be created inside the Authority to enable economic self-sufficiency, with no need to find work in Israel, Mofaz said.
Most Palestinian workers are Gaza residents who enter Israel through the Erez border crossing.
During the period of the Oslo Accords, more than 30,000
Palestinian workers entered Israel. However, due to terror attacks, security threats and the Intifada, Israel significantly decreased the number of permits allowing entry into the country.
Palestinian workers have been allowed to work in Israel as a result of the severe economic crisis in the Authority. While a worker can earn between NIS 80 to 100 (about USD 19 to 23)a day in Israel, he is likely to earn a maximum of NIS 20 (about USD 5) in the Authority.
A modern crossing
IDF officers and defense establishment officials have presented Mofaz with plans to construct a modern border crossing at Erez, which would include six crossing points to allow some 500 men to enter Israel an hour.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2006.
During Mofaz's visit to Erez Tuesday, he said he would take all possible security steps during and after the pullout to ensure the safety of those settlements surrounding the Gaza Strip.
In regards to Palestinian Authority and recent mortar bombings, Mofaz said he believes Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has good intentions, but he is unable to maintain the peace.
"We definitely cannot let this go ignored, and that is why I spoke to him and demanded he send more (security) forces," he said.
Mofaz said Abbas instructed officials to speak to the faction leaders in order to prevent further shooting attacks.
"Indeed, it's now quieter in Gush Katif, but it does not necessarily mean it will continue like this," he said.
"We want to provide Abu Mazen (Abbas) with a chance, but in return, they (Palestinians) must know that there is limit to our patience and we will not compromise on the safety of Gush Katif residents."
