Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom updated U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan Sunday on the government’s decision not to destroy the deserted Gaza synagogues.
Shalom said the decision stems from “moral and religious motives” and asked Annan to act so the Palestinians would prevent the desecration of the synagogues.
Annan promised to contact Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and request that be responsible for the preservation of the synagogues.
During their discussion Shalom and Annan mentioned the 2001 U.N. decision that obligates governing bodies to protect holy sites under their sovereignty.
Earlier on Sunday the government decided not to destroy the 19 Gush Katif synagogues left behind following Israel's withdrawal from the region. PA officials criticized the decision, claiming Israel was setting a “trap” for the Palestinians.
'Israel turning Gaza into one big prison'
Shalom said during the cabinet meeting on the matter that the destruction of the synagogues would serve as a dangerous precedent at a time when Jewish communities all over the world are fighting for the status of their synagogues.
This precedent must be prevented even at the risk of the synagogues’ desecration, the foreign minister added.
Officials said following the decision that the government succeeded in turning the ball over to the Palestinians.
“Now it is their turn. It is clear that if the synagogues are desecrated they will be viewed as barbarians who are unable to rule, ‘one official said.
“However, the cynical decision to abandon the synagogues may foster added hatred on both sides.”
PA Civil Affairs Minister Mohammed Dahlan told reporters in Gaza that the Palestinians will deal with the synagogues just as they will deal with the rest of the abandoned structures in the former Israeli settlements.
While Dahlan did not say the PA would destroy the synagogues, sources close to him said the PA would not agree to be coerced by Israel into deploying security forces in the settlements.
“Israel is turning Gaza into one big prison with its decision to close the Rafah crossing for six months,” Dahlan said.