Cameras at Rafah crossing? Palestinians say ‘No’
צילום: איי אף פי
Rafah crossing talks hit snag
After week of intense contacts, argument over security cameras hinders deal
Negotiations fail – because of cameras: Talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority on the reopening of Gaza’s Rafah crossing have failed as a result of disagreements over the installment of security cameras.
Palestinian Minister Muhammad Dahlan argued Israeli cameras at the Gaza-Egypt crossing would symbolize the continuation of the occupation, while Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz declared “there would be no compromise on security matters.”
The disagreement ended a week of intensive contacts between Israel, the PA, and the Europeans on a sour note.
Addressing the cameras, which Israel wants to broadcast live photos of those entering and exiting Gaza, Dahlan said such measure would undermine Palestinian sovereignty.
“This is an exaggerated Israeli demand,” he told Mofaz.
According to defense sources, Mofaz replied: “We invested days and nights in talks with the Palestinians this week. The cameras are a fundamental security matter.”
The sides involved in the talks, which also include Egypt, were hoping to finish discussions on the matter by the time U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice arrives in Israel this weekend. Most other matters pertaining to the reopening of the crossing have already been finalized.
In light of the serious disagreement, however, the sides agreed to end large-group discussions. Mofaz and Dahlan may meet soon in order to heal the rift and reach an agreement after all.
However, sources at Vice Premier Shimon Peres’ office estimate a deal will not be struck by the planned date. As a result of various delays, the sources estimated the crossing will only be reopened at the end of December 2005.
