Subscribe to Print Edition | Mon., June 18, 2007 Tamuz 2, 5767 | | Israel Time: 02:02 (EST+7)
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FM opposes breaking agreements with PA in order to set example for Hamas
By Barak Ravid

The Foreign Ministry is recommending against any violation of the Oslo Accords in response to Hamas's takeover of the Gaza Strip. The ministry believes that any violation of an agreement by Israel would make it legitimate for Hamas not to recognize such deals, and would harm Israel's standing in the international community.

A written opinion submitted by ministry officials to the director general, Aharon Abramovich, says that Israel should not do anything to violate existing agreements with the Palestinian Authority, and should particularly refrain from dismantling the customs union which Israel provides for the Gaza Strip.

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The document states that it is in Israel's supreme interest to prevent a humanitarian crisis, and therefore the supply of fuel, electricity, water and food to the Gaza Strip should not be suspended.

"Humanitarian problems in Gaza will cause damage on the international front against Hamas," the opinion reads.

The Foreign Ministry also recommends avoiding as far as possible, for now, any military activity along the Philadelphi route. Instead, they urge political steps be taken to pressure Egypt into dealing with the weapons smuggling across its border into Gaza.

With regard to the idea of deploying an international force in the Gaza Strip, the document states that such a move does not appear possible at the moment because of objections by Egypt and Hamas, and also because of a lack of willingness from countries around the world to provide troops for a task force.

However, the Foreign Ministry suggests that it might be possible at a later stage to deploy an international force at the border crossings because Hamas recognizes the importance of opening them.

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