Agreement to reopen border between Gaza and Egypt

As from 25 November, Gaza will no longer be isolated. Direct involvement from the EU is foreseen as well as joint video-surveillance on transit through Rafah crossing. This spells out success for Rice.

Jerusalem (AsiaNews/Agencies) – The border crossings between Gaza Strip and Egypt will be opened on 25 November. They have been closed since 1967. An agreement to this effect was reached between the Israelis and Palestinians thanks to the intervention of the US Secretary of State. Condoleezza Rice obtained the consent of the Israeli Defence Minister, Shaul Mofaz, and has planned for the active involvement of the European Union.

Thus the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt will be reopened. For residents of the Gaza Strip, the opening of a passage to Egypt means the opportunity to trade with the rest of the world; this is vital for the economic development of the area from where the Israelis withdrew in September after 38 years of occupation, and it is also the aim of plans to set up a Gaza port and the reopening of the international airport.

The agreement does not provide for direct Israeli intervention in transit; rather there will be joint Israeli-Palestinian video control under the supervision of European Union observers, who will be posted at the Rafah crossing. This signifies the first direct commitment of the EU in the Middle East. Israel has also accepted to set up convoys for trucks and buses to allow residents of Gaza to reach Cisjordan.

The agreement is potentially a very important step ahead for the future of ties between the Israelis and Palestinians. Rice staked her reputation on it, postponing her departure from Jerusalem for the APEC meeting by one day. Announcing the agreement, Rice said she was "happy about an agreement regarding freedom of movement".

• ISRAEL
• PALESTINE
• usa
• EUROPEAN
• UNION
• gaza
• AGREEMENT
• RAFAH
• CROSSING
• BORDERS
• TRANSIT