Obama's initiative: Denmark conference on Gaza smuggling
Next week will see meeting of representatives from US, EU, Israel and possibly Egypt in Copenhagen for in-depth discussion of arms smuggling from Sinai into Gaza
US President Barack Obama has no intention of waiting for the general elections in Israel before tackling one of the region's most contentious problems.
Ynet has learned that a meeting of high-ranking officials on arms smuggling into Gaza is shaping up to take place as early as next week in Denmark. Expected participants include European nations, Israel and possibly Egypt.
President Obama vowed he would work aggressively to advance the process between Israel and the Palestinians, and this initiative is focused primarily on stabilizing the ceasefire between Israel and the Islamist Hamas.
Obama, officials in Jerusalem say, wants to make it clear that the US is present, active and adamant about making sure the necessary understandings are reached to ensure the situation is stabilized.
The already shaky ceasefire was tested again on Tuesday after an IDF patrol on the Gaza border was attacked near the Kissufim crossing. One soldier was killed and three others were seriously wounded in the attack. Israel responded by targeting one of the gunmen belonging to the cell responsible for the attack.
At this stage of the talks in Copenhagen the representatives will discuss the influx of arms smuggling from Iran to Hamas in Gaza. This following the commitment made by European nations and the US as part of the January 16th deal between then-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Israeli Foreign Minister
Tzipi Livni.
Among other topics on the agenda, the representatives will discuss the allocation and deployment of troops and naval vessels to stop the smuggling. The special force may include NATO troops.
According to diplomatic sources in Jerusalem, this stage of the talks will not call for the attendance of state leaders or foreign ministers. It will likely be between high-ranking administrative officials or advisors. This has not yet been determined however.
