Envoy Presses for Deal on Gaza Crossings

The fate of the border crossings is one of the most important unresolved issues in the wake of Israel's unilateral withdrawal from Gaza in September. Israel closed Gaza's border with Egypt shortly before the pullout and has restricted the movement of cargo into Israel, the main market for Palestinian goods.

International envoy James Wolfensohn, who has brokered months of talks on the issue, was meeting with senior Israeli and Palestinian officials late Sunday in hopes of breaking the impasse. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice also arrived in the region for a two-day visit, which both Wolfensohn and Palestinian officials said they hoped would help break the deadlock. An official close to Wolfensohn said the former World Bank president had grown frustrated after months of talks, and the next 72 hours would be crucial because Wolfensohn leaves the Middle East on Wednesday.

Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, who was participating in Sunday's talks with Palestinian Cabinet Minister Mohammed Dahlan, said Israel was working ``very hard'' to open the Rafah terminal ``as soon as possible.'' Dahlan complained, however, that since the Israeli withdrawal, ``Gaza has became an even bigger prison.''

Envoy Presses for Deal on Gaza Crossings
Sunday November 13, 2005 7:16 PM
By IBRAHIM BARZAK
Associated Press Writer

KARNI CROSSING, Gaza Strip (AP) - A top Mideast envoy warned Sunday that time is running out for Israel and the Palestinians to wrap up a deal on opening the Gaza Strip's border crossings, saying it would be a ``tragedy'' if an agreement was not reached soon.

The fate of the border crossings is one of the most important unresolved issues in the wake of Israel's unilateral withdrawal from Gaza in September. Israel closed Gaza's border with Egypt shortly before the pullout and has restricted the movement of cargo into Israel, the main market for Palestinian goods.

The Palestinians say reopening the crossings is essential to rebuilding Gaza's shattered economy, especially with the harvest season approaching. Israel first wants assurances that weapons and militants will not enter Gaza.

International envoy James Wolfensohn, who has brokered months of talks on the issue, was meeting with senior Israeli and Palestinian officials late Sunday in hopes of breaking the impasse. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice also arrived in the region for a two-day visit, which both Wolfensohn and Palestinian officials said they hoped would help break the deadlock.

``I do believe that Secretary Rice is very keen to make sure that the deal is done,'' Wolfensohn said after a tour of the Karni crossing, the main transit point for cargo entering Israel. He reported progress in the talks but said a deal was far from certain.

``I think it will be a tragedy for both sides if that opportunity is not done, but can I give you a guarantee? No,'' Wolfensohn said. ``I can only tell you that we are clear in what we are trying to do, and in the next few days, we will know whether we are successful or not.''

An official close to Wolfensohn said the former World Bank president had grown frustrated after months of talks, and the next 72 hours would be crucial because Wolfensohn leaves the Middle East on Wednesday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to talk to the media.

The official said the two sides have made significant progress on opening the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian border, Gaza's main link to the outside world. He said the sides were further apart on reopening Karni, but a deal was reachable within 48 hours.

Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, who was participating in Sunday's talks with Palestinian Cabinet Minister Mohammed Dahlan, said Israel was working ``very hard'' to open the Rafah terminal ``as soon as possible.''

Dahlan complained, however, that since the Israeli withdrawal, ``Gaza has became an even bigger prison.''

``We hope that Ms. Rice's visit will help to contribute to the conclusion of a comprehensive deal,'' and not just address minor issues, he said.

The international community wants a deal sealed well before the Jan. 25 Palestinian parliamentary election to boost moderate Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, who is fighting off a stiff challenge by the Islamic militant group, Hamas.

Abbas has promised not to reopen the Rafah crossing without Israeli approval, but his government has been pushing to get the key crossing opened earlier.

Talks between the two sides have faltered over Israel's demand to monitor the Rafah terminal via closed-circuit TV. The Palestinians say European monitors to be stationed there should suffice to stop militants and weapons smugglers.

Meanwhile, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., said Sunday in Jerusalem that she supports the 425-mile separation barrier Israel is building along the edges of the West Bank, and that the onus is on the Palestinian Authority to fight terrorism.

``This is not against the Palestinian people,'' Clinton said while touring a section of the barrier. ``This is against the terrorists. The Palestinian people have to help to prevent terrorism.''

Israel says the structure is needed to keep suicide bombers from entering the country. Palestinians say it has prevented thousands of people from reaching their jobs, schools and farmland.

Violence also flared late Saturday as Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian militant in the West Bank town of Jenin, the Israeli military said. Army officials said the troops believed the militant was going to open fire on a nearby military post.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-5412307,00.html