Last update - 00:00 30/05/2007
MKs propose handing control of Gaza Strip to Arab League force
By Barak Ravid
A diplomatic initiative to restore stability in Gaza would give the Arab League responsibility for the coastal strip and install a multi-national force, in cooperation with the European Union.
Meretz MKs Avshalom Vilan and Zahava Gal-On have been promoting this initiative for several weeks. They have already presented it to senior Palestinian figures and foreign diplomats.
The two MKs are seeking the support of senior ministers and government officials, and plan to present their proposal to Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni next week. Livni has also expressed interest in stationing a multi-national force in the Gaza Strip.
The call to the Arab League to take responsibility for the Gaza Strip is part of "a package deal," which would begin with negotiations between Arab and Israeli representatives on the Arab Peace Initiative. The next stage will include the exchange of kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit for Palestinian prisoners, including Hamas ministers and parliamentarians. Then, a mutual cease-fire will be declared and the Quartet - the U.S., Russia, EU and UN - will propose a multi-national force deployment in front of the UN Security Council.
The multi-national force would be deployed for two to five years, with the agreement of both Israel and the Palestinians. The force would have security and economic roles.
In terms of security, the force would be deployed along the Philadelphi Route to prevent smuggling from Sinai, and along the border with Israel to prevent Qassam rocket attacks.
Its economic role would be in rebuilding the infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, assisting the population, rehabilitating Palestinian Authority institutions, and preventing the collapse of social services.
The initiative was prepared with the help of a team of experts, including senior legal specialists with experience in the defense establishment. Team members met with Livni several months ago to discuss the idea of a multi-national force.
During the most recent cabinet meeting, Livni presented some of the ideas discussed at the Foreign Ministry regarding the deployment of a multi-national force along the Philadelphi Route.
The two Meretz MKs presented their proposal to senior Palestinians, including Finance Minister Salam Fayad, and Gaza-based businessmen.
They also met with the ambassadors to Israel from Egypt, Jordan, European Union countries and the U.S. In coming weeks, they are scheduled to continue presenting their plan in Israel and abroad, including to Saudi Arabian figures.
"So far we have had relatively positive responses," Vilan told Haaretz. "Everyone has stressed that it is very important to have PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas' support. The risk is that tomorrow Abbas will say he is fed up and then we will be stuck with Hamas, and the anarchy will spread to the West Bank and we will be drawn back in there," he added.