Israel is boosting its efforts to resolve the issue of the breached Gaza border, with senior Defense Ministry official Amos Gilad holding intensive talks with top Egyptian officials Saturday.
Gilad's contacts with the Egyptians were initiated on the orders of Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who instructed Gilad to lead the effort to restore order at the Rafah crossing.
Violent Clashes
Dozens hurt on Gaza-Egypt border / Associated Press
More than 30 Egyptian police officers hospitalized, including some in critical condition, after troops clash with Palestinians; Gazans continue to cross into Egypt despite Cairo's attempts to restore order
Israeli officials view the border breach as a strategic, rather than tactical, problem. Officials in Jerusalem expressed their concern over the situation in talks with their Egyptian counterparts, yet at this time, Israeli officials estimate that no solution that would satisfy Jerusalem is available.
Gilad, who has been regularly involved in contacts with Egypt over various security and diplomatic issues, is expected to continue his talks in the coming days. At this time it does not appear that he will be traveling to Egypt. Meanwhile, Israel is expected to stress that the free passage at the border endangers Egypt as well, and could lead to bloodshed.
Earlier Saturday, Egyptian officials said they will be keeping the border with Gaza open until further notice. Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinians continued to cross into Egypt Saturady.
Al-Jazeera reported that the lively commercial activity in the area continued, including massive purchases of fuel and food.
A senior Egyptian official told AFP that the Palestinians will continue to cross into the Sinai until they are able to acquire adequate stockpiles of food and other supplies.
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