Day 35: protective Edge/Gaza War Silence is golden, and so are ceasefires that hold, so far a whole day! Cairo talks reports suggest that some flexibility was shown by mostly Israel, and the Israeli delegation returned tonight for counsel with PM Netaniahu and Defense minister Yaalon. The Israeli Cabinet will convene tomorrow at noon to discuss the latest progress made in the talks. Kerem Shalom crossing reopened, after closing yesterday as result of mortar bombs attack.This means that aid, food, gas and water are distributed to many in need in the Gaza strip. According to UNWRA spokesperson over 200000 people now living in UN shelters. Egypt opened the Rafah border today to evacuate wounded, and allow passage to Gaza residents with foreign passports. UNCONFIRMED report suggests that Hamas executed tens of tunnel diggers, in order to prevent them from possibly cooperating with IDF Intelligence Services. Egypt continues its mission to destroy smuggling tunnels across the Philadelphi crossing between Egypt and Gaza. A military wing, which belongs to the Fatah movement (Which was overturned by Hamas in the Gaza strip), claims to have mid range missiles and are ready for a long war against Israel. A Palestinian woman, disguised as a religious Jew, was caught smuggling illegal Palestinians in the back of her trunk, inside Israel territory. A Hamas terrorist, who barricaded himself inside a home in Nablus, was killed after fire clashes with Israeli Security Police. He was suspected for multiple shooting incidents in the West Bank.Another Hamas terrorist was caught with M 16 gun and in his home, a stash of weaponry and... Pot plants... The Jerusalem court today examined indictments for 10 suspects, who viciously attacked two Arab civilians a few months ago. A civil trial for Arab Bank, suspected of transferring money for Hamas terror acts begins today in Brooklyn.Suits were filed by victims of 24 terror attacks in Israel between March 2001- September 2004. IDF is considering implementing a sophisticated anti-tunnel sensor network across the border with Gaza.The estimated cost would be 2-3 Billion Israeli Shekels. The Foreign Press Association released a statement, protesting the blatant, incessant, forceful and unorthodox methods employed by the Hamas authorities, the statement describes incidents were foreign reporters were harassed, threatened or questioned over reports they gave by Hamas representatives. Turkeys International Humanitarian Relief Foundation announced their decision to send a flotilla to Gaza, this after the last flotilla ended with violence and deterred Turkey- Israel relations to new lows. It seems that now, after Erdogan win in the elections for Presidency, they might get an approval to do so, and thus challenge the IDF siege over the Naval water in the Gaza area. Erdogan is known for his public and scandalous statements over Israel, comparing its attacks on Gaza to Nazi Germany. UN Security Council has announced the Committee for investigating Israels alleged war crimes in Gaza. The Chief investigator, William Schabas, is known for past statements, expressing his desire to see both Peres (Noble Peace Prize recipient) and PM Netaniahu behind bars in the War Tribunal of the Hague.The second member from Senegal,Doudou Diene, is a human right activist and participated in Anti Israel protests. The third member is Lebanese born lawyer, Amal Almuddin, who is also the fiancee of George Clooney. Cairo Talks: reports are still largely vague, however it seems that some understandings around main demands were discussed. The following are UNOFFICIAL and NOT FINAL agreements: -Israel might agree to have salaries paid to Hamas officials via third party (as I reported, it might have already happened but who knows?). Israel intends to have Abbas and the Palestinian Authority be in charge on that subject. - Israel will gradually expand the fishing zone of the Gaza strip. this is a main means of income for Gaza residents. -Israel might be inclined to agree to have construction materials for Gaza reconstruction enter under strict supervision. Not clear yet if and if at all by whom. -Israel will double the volume of trucks entering the Kerem Shalom crossing daily to around 600. - Israel might enlarge the entry visas for Gaza residents who work in Israel, and pas through the Erez Crossing. Plus, the criteria for passage into Israel and the West bank will increase. - No mention yet of Israels demand of demilitarization of Hamas. - No info on possible prisoners swap in return to the soldiers bodies of Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul. - Possible agreement by Egypt to re open Rafah crossing for Gaza residents, possibly immediately after agreement is made, but not sure yet to what extent and purposes,commercial or to ease Gaza residents passage. It was implied that this could be possible only if at least 1000 Palestinian guards lead by Abbas will be stationed there. - Egypt has implied that it might reinstate their Ambassador in Israel if talks are fruitful. The last ambassador left at 2012.This could mean a better diplomatic and commercial ties to both countries. - Demands for Airport/Seaport might be discussed after truce is achieved. However, it is clear that Egypts main goal is to reinstate Abbas reign on the Gaza strip and thus, not give Hamas any real Political control over the crossings, rehabilitation and international funds. As talks proceed, Hamas might be satisfied with getting its money,but not happy with not gaining real political power over Gaza. They threaten that this will be the last ceasefire, and if demands arent received fully, the ar will resume. Well, we shall wait and see, wont we? Good night!
Posted on: Mon, 11 Aug 2014 20:53:38 +0000
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