Chaos in Gaza
Photo: AFP
500,000 bullets on way to Gaza
Bullets to be used by PA police, Palestinian sources tell Ynet. Israel approves delivery on condition bullets used by police only, after PA complained it lacked ammunition
A delivery of 500,000 rifle bullets is expected to reach the Gaza strip in the coming days, perhaps even as soon as Thursday, through the Rafah border crossing, Palestinian sources have told Ynet.
The bullets, which will be shipped from Egypt, are intended for use by the Palestinian police. Israel has already given its permission to the transport, on condition that the bullets are used solely by the Palestinian Authority, and not by any other armed factions.
Egyptian security personal and instructors who are currently staying in Gaza will supervise the shipment's arrival, including the storage and distribution of the bullets.
During negotiations between the Egyptians and the Palestinians on the terms of the delivery, the Egyptians have posed strict conditions for the process of the bullets' delivery and distribution, the sources added.
Mofaz gives green light
Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz has recently authorized the bullets' shipment, to comply with Palestinian requests to allow more arms to enter the Strip and strengthen the PA security system's ability to fight anarchy and enforce law and order in Gaza.
At this stage, Israel has agreed only on the transfer of bullets to be used by the Palestinian police.
Following violent clashes between the PA and Hamas last month, during which a Palestinian police officer was killed, officers have complained they lacked sufficient ammunition to allow them to confront the well-equipped Hamas.
However, Palestinian sources stressed that the bullets will not necessarily serve the PA against Hamas or any other group.
"They will be aimed at any element that fails to respect the PA's policy to bring chaos under control," a source said.
