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Photo: AP
Put on the pressure. Rice
Photo: AP

Israel opposes convoy passage from Gaza

Israel refuses to allow passage of Palestinian convoys from Gaza to West Bank through Israel set for Thursday; insists PA take steps against terror before talks resume

Israel has insisted it will not allow the passage of Palestinian convoys through its territory on Thursday, despite pressures exerted by the United States and American mediation attempts.

 

"The prime minister's decision from last Monday after the bombing attack in Netanya still stands," a diplomatic source in Jerusalem stated.

 

In spite of the indirect negotiations carried out on Sunday with American arbitration, no real progress was accomplished between Israel and the Palestinians. If this situation continues, Israeli sources stress, the passage of safe convoys will not be enabled on Thursday.

 

In the meantime, the Palestinians and Israelis have not held any direct talks.

 

 

The passage of safe convoys between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank constitutes part of the crossings agreement signed several weeks ago under pressures by American Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and was scheduled to come into effect on the coming Thursday, December 15.

 

PA not eager to act

 

However, following the terror attack in Netanya last Monday, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz have ordered to suspend the process.

 

Over the weekend, the Assistant U.S. Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, David Welch, met with Sharon, Mofaz and Palestinian Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, in a bid to reconcile the differences and reach a settlement. However, the talks failed to result in real progress.

 

Government officials in Israel continue to insist that the Palestinian Authority exhibit clear steps against Islamic Jihad terror cells before negotiations are resumed.

 

However, a month and a half ahead of the elections, the PA is not eager to act against Hamas and Islamic Jihad. 

 


פרסום ראשון: 12.12.05, 08:03
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