Mofaz: PA must impose order
PA must exercise control over situation in Gaza, says Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz. Israel alerts Americans, Egyptians regarding chaos in Philadelphi route. Meanwhile PA, Egyptians attempt to cooperate
The Palestinian Authority had better come to its senses and work immediately to impose law and order in the Gaza Strip, Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said Wednesday.
Referring to the present state of chaos in the Strip and the Philadelphi route, Mofaz stated that Israel will not accept the current situation, in which passage across the route is not monitored, and said both the Americans and Egyptians had been alerted on the subject.
"I hope and believe that the Egyptians will bring the situation in the Philadelphi route under control, in cooperation with the Palestinian forces," he said.
In reference to Palestinian riots and attempts by Palestinians to approach the border immediately following the IDF's withdrawal from the Strip, Mofaz said that the PA should act promptly to secure the situation in Gaza.
"The PA must stand up to its commitment to impose law and order… or else reality will strike it in the face, and future advances will become difficult," he said.
Earlier on Wednesday, Egyptians troops blew up a tunnel that was used to smuggle weapons from Egypt into the Gaza Strip. Guns, rocket launchers and 280 grenades were retrieved from the tunnel.
Attempts to smuggle weapons
According to the agreement between Israel and Egypt, the Egyptians are in charge of the Philadelphi route, and are responsible for maintaining order in the region and countering weapon smuggling.
"It is not our responsibility to express an opinion or give grades, but obviously both sides much keep their ends of the agreement," said an IDF source in response to news of the operation.
At the time the tunnel was exposed no one was found inside, and it was blown shortly after. This is a first accomplishment for the Egyptians, which recently deployed 750 troops along the 12 kilometers of the border. However, the incident also reveals the continuous state of disquiet dominating the Strip in recent days.
Warnings made by PA and the Egyptians did not deter hundreds of Palestinian from crossing the border during the last two days. Gazans were warned that approaching the border may result in arrest or injury, but many flocked to the Egyptian side to reunite with their families, shop, and – as it now appears – also to attempt and smuggle weapons.
Gaza-Egypt border breached. (Photo: AP)
Local eyewitnesses reported Wednesday that armed Palestinians are aiding Gazans to cross the fence by carrying out explosions across different parts of the fence. A harsh meeting between the PA and the Palestinians was held Tuesday night, following the events in the Strip.
Meanwhile the PA Legislative Committee is presently holding a hard debate concerning the state of anarchy in Gaza. Several Committee members claim that the recent reforms that were implemented in the security mechanisms proved ineffective. Palestinian Interior Minister Nasser Yousef faced harsh criticism during the meeting, in light of the security system's obvious failure.
Wire services contributed to this report
