Rafah crossing (Archive photo)
Photo: Reuters
EU monitors turn away wanted Palestinian
International monitors prevent Popular Resistance Committees commander from going through Rafah crossing
Palestinian sources reported Sunday that European monitors operating the Rafah crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt have prevented a Palestinian man wanted by Israel from through the crossing.
Abu Samhadana, the commander of the Popular Resistance Committees, was stopped at the crossing and ordered to return to Gaza by EU monitors. Samahadneh claimed he is crossing to Egypt to make his way to Mecca in Saudi Arabia to make a pilgrimage.
The EU monitors acted on tips from Palestinian Authority security sources who reported Abu Samahadneh is banned from leaving Gaza.
According to a U.S.-mediated agreement on border crossings at Gaza’s borders, EU monitors should prevent Palestinian wanted suspects from passing through the crossing.
'Blow to Palestinian honor'
Abu Samhadana, however, said the decision is unjust and unacceptable.
“That’s a blow to the honor and sovereignty of the Palestinians, it is yet another humiliation from (Prime Minister Ariel) Sharon and (Defense Minister Shaul) Mofaz against the Palestinian people,” he said.
“Resistance organizations including the Popular Resistance Committees will not submit to Israel’s dictates. We will struggle against these policies whatever the price. We have many surprises for Israel which will force it to cancel these black lists,” he added.
According to Abu Samhadana, there are 15 senior Palestinian commanders from various groups on a black list presented by Israel.
The crossing agreement states that although EU monitors have the power to ban wanted suspects from crossing through Rafah, Palestinian Minister for Civilian Affairs Mohammad Dahlan vowed Israel would not have a veto power to prevent the movement of Palestinians through the crossing.
