Subscribe to Print Edition | Sun., February 03, 2008 Shvat 27, 5768 | | Israel Time: 01:29 (EST+7)
Haaretz israel news English
web haaretz.com
  Back to Homepage
Rosner's Domain
Diplomacy
Defense Jewish World Opinion National
Print Edition
Advertising
Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File
Palestinian man passing by Egyptian police as he returns from Egypt near a destroyed section of the wall on the Gaza-Egypt border on Friday. (Reuters)
Last update - 00:58 03/02/2008
J'lem said to favor Hamas bid to cut Israel-Gaza ties
By Barak Ravid, Haaretz Correspondent, and News Agencies
Tags: Ismail Haniyeh, Gaza, Egypt 

A source in Jerusalem said Saturday Israel is in favor of Hamas' declared intention of cutting economic ties between Gaza and Israel.

"This is excellent," the source said. "It is what Israel has desired for years, and it is only good for us."

The political source added: "If Egypt agrees to the process, Israel will give it its blessing."
Advertisement
Hamas' deposed prime minister Ismail Haniyeh was quoted Saturday as saying that Gaza must forge stronger economic ties with Egypt as a way of disconnecting from Israel.

Haniyeh told the pro-Hamas daily Palestine in an interview published Saturday that Hamas would like to see Gaza's economy cut its ties with Israel, and instead receive fuel and electricity from Egypt.

"We have said from the days of our election campaign that we want to move toward economic disengagement from the Israeli occupation," Haniyeh said.

Egypt has a greater ability to meet the needs of Gaza, he added.

The Hamas leader was also quoted as telling the daily on Friday as saying he would not allow the border to be resealed. "The Palestinian people have many options."

Meanwhile, senior Hamas hardliner Mahmoud Zahar said Saturday that Egypt has decided to close its breached border with Gaza on Sunday, and Hamas will not stand in the way.

Zahar spoke upon his return to Gaza after holding talks with Egyptian officials in Cairo.

At the same time, Zahar added, Egypt has agreed to coordinate with Hamas on some border issues and to enable thousands of Palestinians stuck in Egypt to head to third countries for which they have visas or residency permits.

These travelers are currently waiting in the Egyptian border town of El Arish for Egyptian approval to continue their travels.

Also Saturday, a senior Hamas negotiator said the movement would accept the return of European Union monitors to the Rafah border crossing if they reside in Egypt or in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas official Mohammed Nasser added, though, that Hamas negotiators in talks over the future of the crossing point told their Egyptian
counterparts in Cairo that the movement has reservations about the international agreement requiring the monitors to be preset at the border point.

The EU monitors left the Rafah crossing in June 2007 when Hamas ousted the rival Fatah movement from Gaza in a bloody takeover.

The Hamas delegation has not received clarifications on its reservations, Nasser said.

Egyptian officials were not available for comment on Zahar's claims. It was unclear whether the border would be sealed hermetically, as it was before Hamas blew up sections of the border wall on January 23, ending a seven-month blockade by Israel and Egypt. It also wasn't clear to what extent, if at all, Hamas' demand to be given a say in running the Egypt-Gaza border was being considered.

In an interview with Associated Press Television News, Zahar suggested the Egyptians planned to reopen the border after talks with European officials arriving in the region.

"Tomorrow they [the Egyptians] are going to start dialogue with the European people in order to make an end for our sanctions and to allow opening of the gates freely and without preconditions," he said.

The EU foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, was expected to arrive in Cairo for talks with Egyptian officials later Saturday. The international Mideast envoy, Tony Blair, was also planning a trip to the region in coming days to address the border standoff.

Zahar was greeted Saturday by supporters at the border. Since the breach, hundreds of thousands of Gazans have flooded Egypt's border area and Hamas has thwarted repeated attempts by Egypt to reseal the border.

The Hamas leader said Egyptian officials told him they would restore order at the border. "Egypt's message was very clear, that Sunday should be the day to put an end to this scene," Zahar told the Arab satellite TV station Al Jazeera.

At the border, Zahar said gunmen would not be allowed to bring weapons close to the border, or use bad words or violence towards Egyptian police.

Zahar, who is widely seen as the mastermind of Hamas' violent takeover of Gaza in June, said Hamas would cooperate with Egypt in its efforts.

"We will work to close the border between us and Egypt," Zahar said. "We will restore control over this border, in cooperation with Egypt and gradually."

At the closed Rafah border crossing, around 600 women loyal to Hamas protested to demand its opening. The women, many wearing black robes and headcoverings, held up green Hamas flags and chanted on the Palestinian side of the crossing.

Some of the women said the gaps in the border - created by Hamas militants - had not resolved pressing issues created by Gaza's closure to the outside world. The sick still need to travel, we need cement, said Naima Diab, a 55-year-old Hamas loyalist wearing a black robe with a white headscarf, sitting on a nearby rock.

On Friday, Hamas militants hauled away metal spikes that Egyptian soldiers had placed at sections of the Gaza-Egypt border in an attempt to stop the influx of Gazans.

Hamas' demand for a role in running the border with Egypt was rejected this week by Egypt and Hamas' rival, Fatah's moderate Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Hamas also announced Saturday that it would accept the return of European Union monitors to the Rafah border crossing on condition they reside in Egypt or Gaza. Hamas has said it opposes the 2005 arrangement that placed the EU monitors on the border because it granted Israel a final say over when the Gaza-Egypt border is open. The EU monitors are based in Israel, and Israel in the past frequently asked the monitors to stay away, citing security reasons, in effect shutting down border operations.

Mohammed Nasser, a senior negotiator on behalf of Hamas, said in Cairo that Hamas has reservations about the international agreement requiring the monitors to be present at the border point.

The Hamas delegation has not received clarifications on its reservations, Nasser said. The delegation was expected to return to Gaza on Saturday without holding talks with a Palestinian Authority delegation, which was also in Cairo negotiating the future of the border crossing.

Last month's border breach came several days after Israel had imposed a complete blockade on Gaza, with Egyptian backing, in response to Qassam rocket barrages from Gaza on southern Israeli towns. For the past seven months, since Hamas' takeover of Gaza, Israel and Egypt have severely restricted access to the territory.

Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities on Friday reported that they had arrested 12 Hamas militants, armed with explosives, within Egyptian borders. The men, having entered Sinai through the breach in the border, were apparently planning to carry out attacks against tourists in Sinai.


Related articles:
  • Egypt thwarts Hamas plan to attack Israeli tourists in Sinai
  • Officials: Israel won't let Gaza border breach threaten security
  • ANALYSIS: Gaza border breach shows Israel that Hamas is in charge
    • Bookmark to del.icio.us  
     
    60 years later
    The JNF is reportedly planning to commemorate demolished Palestinian villages.
    Mika and Amy
    Mika says he would like to work with Amy Winehouse on her 'Jewish album'.
      1.   Hamas invades Egypt 03:30  |  Pharaoh 02/02/08
      2.   Border control 03:53  |  Baz Mann 02/02/08
      3.   What Sadat Turned Down in 1979 Is Now Back In Egyptian Hands 03:55  |  Eli 02/02/08
      4.   i have an idea 04:03  |  vik 02/02/08
      5.   No one will hold it against Egypt when this escalates 04:07  |  Efox 02/02/08
      6.   Sane Jews have always maintained Arabs do not need a 23rd State 04:08  |  Genuine Tosefta 02/02/08
      7.   More Olmert bungling - destroy Hamas bulldozers with F-16 strikes 04:13  |  Dr. L. Brnd 02/02/08
      8.   Everything? Does this include murdering Egyptians? 04:13  |  Free Gilad Shalit 02/02/08
      9.   here`s the chance of a arab lifetime 04:14  |  jewish doctor 02/02/08
      10.   Israel Keep Your Border Sealed! 04:19  |  Gina 02/02/08
      11.   OTHER NATIONS WATCHING 04:20  |  TOBIA 02/02/08
      12.   Hamas needs a kick in their Ham--s 04:21  |  George W. Bush 02/02/08
      13.   Let`s See Egypt`s Gentle Touch with Hamas 04:42  |  Jane 02/02/08
      14.   Shoot your fellow man 05:01  |  Jim 02/02/08
      15.   #2 Baz Mann 05:09  |  Jim 02/02/08
      16.   George W. Bush on Internation Agreements? 05:15  |  Karen S. Carter 02/02/08
      17.   Israelis must be happy 05:19  |  American Muslim 02/02/08
      18.   #4 vik 05:38  |  Jim 02/02/08
      19.   gazans and free trade 05:58  |  george 02/02/08
      20.   #Tobia. Do you mean the Arab... 06:01  |  Maureen Ann 02/02/08
      21.   #7 Dr. L. Brnd 06:04  |  Jim 02/02/08
      22.   #10 Gina 06:12  |  Jim 02/02/08
      23.   # 17 American muslim...they are happy 06:58  |  Lynn 02/02/08
      24.   Egypt demanded end blockade a few days ago 07:00  |  solitarioh2005 02/02/08
      25.   # 14 Jim of Tenn..how do you know all this 07:04  |  Lynn 02/02/08
      26.   Ms Carter, give regards to Jimmy 07:09  |  the worst US prez 02/02/08
      27.   # 19 george....economics wasn`t your forte 07:09  |  Lynn 02/02/08
      28.   George #19 you are FUNNY 07:12  |  amused 02/02/08
      29.   "Egypt and Palestine are one people, not two." 07:43  |  Morris Valentine 02/02/08
      30.   Hamas 08:15  |  John 02/02/08
      31.   if egypt wont come to gaza, gaza will come to egypt! 08:25  |  v hardman 02/02/08
      32.   Lyn 27 08:26  |  Guido 02/02/08
      33.   lynn #27 08:37  |  george 02/02/08
      34.   Guido of France 09:10  |  Daniel 02/02/08
      35.   amused # 28 09:11  |  george 02/02/08
      36.   George and his faulty economics 09:22  |  DAniel 02/02/08
      37.   Egypt and the Arab refugee problem. 09:37  |  Harold Lane 02/02/08
      38.   # 33, George, so what are you angry about? 09:40  |  Uri 02/02/08
      39.   Borders will not be resealed 09:51  |  Steve 02/02/08
      40.   #19 George. Keep dreaming about a thriving Palestinian economy 10:28  |  Moti 02/02/08
      41.   moti # 39 11:05  |  george 02/02/08
      42.   George: wonderful aspirations 11:29  |  Margie in Tel Aviv 02/02/08
      43.   George the Martian 11:32  |  Iz Ray Leigh 02/02/08
      44.   Egypt, has 7000 years of civilization. Use it..? 11:44  |  Stephen. 02/02/08
      45.   Israel and Hamas. 11:57  |  Vital 02/02/08
      46.   The answer to this problem 12:05  |  Steven 02/02/08
      47.   Are Hamas pushing for Egyptian citizenship?! 12:07  |  Esther 02/02/08
      48.   Daniel 34 12:15  |  Guido 02/02/08
      49.   Margie #41 12:26  |  Guido 02/02/08
      50.   George (#33) re Lynn Good for them I say Good for them 12:34  |  Gil 02/02/08
      51.   How is it that every time Israel turns against its foes 12:42  |  Kris 02/02/08
      52.   gAZA BELONGS TO eGYPT 12:43  |  akiva (zionist) 02/02/08
      53.   For once you`re right Jim 12:44  |  Margie in Tel Aviv 02/02/08
      54.   ``Egypt and Palestine are one people, not two.`` 13:00  |  Gil 02/02/08
      55.   NO ARGUMENT HERE!!!!!! 13:23  |  B`Galil 02/02/08
      56.   It must cause Hamas fits that Egypt and Israel have official ties 13:36  |  Conroy 02/02/08
      57.   SWEET, I love this idea 13:38  |  Doc Holliday 02/02/08
      58.   At the Eqyptian-Gazan border, oye vey.... 13:41  |  Esther 02/02/08
      59.   Go Gaza,go!The vile siege has been breached despite the best 13:45  |  lakshmi 02/02/08
      60.   #14 13:55  |  JG 02/02/08
      61.   Why does Israel refuse to allow Palestine to exist? 13:59  |  POP 02/02/08
      62.   Why does Israel refuse to allow Palestine to exist? 13:59  |  POP 02/02/08
      63.   Does Egypt Want To Be Responsible For Attacks From Within Its Bor 14:14  |  dyinglikeflies 02/02/08
      64.   good move indeed by hamas 14:16  |  :) 02/02/08
      65.   LAKSHMI: Root For Your Pal Team To Strike Forth In Peace ... 14:26  |  Lavi 02/02/08
      66.   I agree with the leader of Hammas???? 14:43  |  Joe 02/02/08
      67.   POP - what is your opinion? 14:44  |  17 02/02/08
      68.   # 9 Jewish Dr. Great Prescription!!!!!! 14:57  |  Petra 02/02/08
      69.   Time to start discuss outlawing islam? 14:58  |  Johnny 02/02/08
      70.   # 57 Doc Holiday Sweet Great lyrics for a song 15:03  |  Petra 02/02/08
      71.   # 43 LOL GREAT!!! 15:04  |  Petra 02/02/08
      72.   # 47 Esther it remains to be seen or, their remains remain to be 15:06  |  Petra 02/02/08
      73.   Two Palestinian States?? 15:07  |  a wandering Jew 02/02/08
      74.   For all the Babblers!! 15:07  |  Bentolilla 02/02/08
      75.   Why does the PA exist? 15:08  |  Petra 02/02/08
      76.   # 54 Gil BINGO, BABE!!!!!! 15:11  |  Petra 02/02/08
      77.   George - Are You Kidding? 15:29  |  Jane 02/02/08
      78.   A rabid Zionist lusts after the Gaza war I`ve predicted #7 15:30  |  Clickfool 02/02/08
      79.   Association test / game, feel free to try it 15:35  |  Johnny 02/02/08
      80.   Israel should butt out and let gaza go 15:42  |  Assad-u-LLAH 02/02/08
      81.   Jane #77 16:06  |  Guido 02/02/08
      82.   Israel must come up with a new policy regarding Gaza 16:10  |  Tosefta 02/02/08
      83.   Resolve Gaza by Reincorporating Into Egypt 16:11  |  Jane 02/02/08
      84.   To 82 Tosefta. Is it possible? 16:51  |  Vital 02/02/08
      85.   WHO ARE THIS "GAZANS"? 16:59  |  20x20 02/02/08
      86.   End this scene 17:02  |  Ahmose The Egyptian 02/02/08
      87.   where is chairman abbas in this ? 17:03  |  v hardman 02/02/08
      88.   Simple solution ... 17:10  |  spyguy 02/02/08
      89.   Assad Gaza can go 17:30  |  Iz Ray Leigh 02/02/08
      90.   The facts of legend (Vital #84) 17:35  |  Tosefta 02/02/08
      91.   Jane. Perfect solution for all? #83 17:37  |  hubal 02/02/08
      92.   On Again, Off Again 17:38  |  Jeff Northridge 02/02/08
      93.   who are those gahazan ,reply 17:42  |  cingulume 02/02/08
      94.   Free to good home. 17:50  |  manny.b 02/02/08
      95.   hamas TOLD Egypt NOTHING - Egypt wants hamas back in it`s cage... 17:57  |  dav zee 02/02/08
      96.   #19 George - Au Contrere Mon Frere... 18:05  |  B`Galil 02/02/08
      97.   77. dear jane. while we are thinking of 18:22  |  bozhidar balkas 02/02/08
      98.   Bulkas 18:49  |  Iz Ray Leigh 02/02/08
      99.   Egypt soon will learn about dealing with Hamas 18:49  |  Dish It Out 02/02/08
      100.   translation: all pre-positioned weaponry safely inside Gaza 18:54  |  Pablo B 02/02/08
      101.   Jane and the rest of the Gaza==Egypt dreamers 19:09  |  Pablo B 02/02/08
      102.   Give Haniyeh what he wants..... 19:27  |  tadchase 02/02/08
      103.   Does anyone need any further proof 19:30  |  Yonatan 02/02/08
      104.   Haaretz Journalism 19:36  |  Haaretz reader 02/02/08
      105.   Jane - Gaza/Egypt 19:58  |  tadchase 02/02/08
      106.   # 74 Bentolilla...sort of makes the media 20:04  |  Lynn 02/02/08
      107.   hamas `lets` egypt close border? cluster bomb it. 20:12  |  frenz 02/02/08
      108.   Advice to palestinian people. 20:17  |  Since R. Advice 02/02/08
      109.   #35 George Palestinian literacy rates 20:22  |  amused 02/02/08
      110.   Re Reader #104 20:23  |  Esther 02/02/08
      111.   Haaretz reader re: Haaraetz Journalism 20:30  |  tadchase 02/02/08
      112.   The Deal: terrorists will now be free to travel abroad 20:33  |  Avi 02/02/08
      113.   Pablo B - Hamas Decided for Us All 20:53  |  Jane 02/02/08
      114.   balkas - Ancient History 20:58  |  Jane 02/02/08
      115.   POP - No one refuses your existance, just not on Jewish 21:38  |  x 02/02/08
      116.   Sly, and dangerous 21:43  |  Mark Lincoln 02/02/08
      117.   What gives Hamas so much power? 21:48  |  Avi 02/02/08
      118.   tadchase - Egypt Can Be "Convinced" 22:31  |  Jane 02/02/08
      119.   mass exodus 22:46  |  musa 02/02/08
      120.   To DyingLikeFlies (#63) 22:51  |  Morris Valentine 02/02/08
      121.   Pablo B # 101 Hamas Already Decided The Issue 22:59  |  Jeff Northridge 02/02/08
      122.   Enough is enough 23:09  |  Natallie Durson 02/02/08
      123.   Nearer the reality... 23:20  |  Esther 02/02/08
      124.   Dr. L. Brnd`s Vision of Greater Israel Includes Gaza 23:23  |  Reader 02/02/08
      125.   To those who think Egypt should absorb the Palestinians 23:28  |  Avi 02/02/08
      126.   Palestine a MYTH 23:37  |  Abe 02/02/08
      127.   Does Jane Include Extending Full Maritine Rights to Gaza? 23:43  |  Reader 02/02/08
      128.   Jane 23:48  |  tadchase 02/02/08
      129.   George -No worries 23:51  |  Avram 02/02/08
      130.   Filthy title 00:03  |  FalluJah 03/02/08
      131.   Get Israel Out Of Gaza! 00:04  |  Norman F Birnberg 03/02/08
      132.   to num 1 00:08  |  FalluJah 03/02/08
      133.   George @33 00:09  |  bytheway 03/02/08
      134.   ties 00:18  |  Shmuelshachor 03/02/08
      135.   No Contact With Israel Whatsoever 00:38  |  Jane 03/02/08
      136.   Gaza needs to be left to decide its own future 00:38  |  Akram Zekaria 03/02/08
      137.   Kassams?? 00:38  |  Aleck Hercbergs 03/02/08
      138.   #128 fallujah and a common error on capital cities 00:47  |  v hardman 03/02/08
      139.   111.tadchase,no not Olmert`s plan,since he is a war criminal! 00:50  |  lakshmi 03/02/08
      140.   #120 Natallie, Huh? 00:58  |  amused 03/02/08
      141.   bytheway @131 - another common Israeli myth 01:11  |  spyguy 03/02/08
      142.   #120; Natalie Durson calm down we control your vertical 01:14  |  Doc Holliday 03/02/08
      143.   Israel-Gaza & US Cuba 01:15  |  Mark of Lewiston 03/02/08
      144.   enough is enough Natallie Dee 01:17  |  bytheway 03/02/08
      145.   Re # 120 Natallie: when falsehood marries truth… 01:24  |  Darth Zaider (Ed) 03/02/08
      146.   Natallie Durson - Enough with you you already...Go to Gaza and 01:25  |  mj 03/02/08
      147.   # 128 Fallujah.....it looks as if 1.5 million 01:51  |  Lynn 03/02/08
      148.   Look out for rockets 02:00  |  Dan 03/02/08
      149.   # 101 Pablo B...it isn`t their decision to make 02:02  |  Lynn 03/02/08
      150.   What about the $10m per month Israel receives from EU... 02:05  |  Maureen Ann 03/02/08
      151.   Reader # 125 Maritime Rights 02:11  |  Jeff Northridge 03/02/08
      152.   Al Quaida all over Gaza. Israel Gov. is happy? 02:26  |  John the Gentile 03/02/08
      153.   When will Israel gov stop the pretense? Jews are in mortal danger 02:29  |  Chris 03/02/08
      154.   Sending a message 02:35  |  Baz Mann 03/02/08
      155.   What a headline! 02:41  |  Mark Lincoln 03/02/08
      156.   Wich Ties they say to CUT and Wich ones they want to keep 02:52  |  Joseph . E 03/02/08
      157.   RIGHT ON! But have they asked the Egyptians? 02:55  |  PETER SM 03/02/08
      158.   Get Israel Out Of The West Bank! 02:58  |  Reader 03/02/08
      159.   Great News! 03:04  |  Jeff Northridge 03/02/08
      160.   FalluJah # 128 The Premise 03:36  |  Jeff Northridge 03/02/08
      161.   The new State of "HAM ASSaTAN" 03:39  |  Cristo 03/02/08
      162.   what next 04:30  |  caroline 03/02/08
      163.   Single State Solution 12:03  |  Justice 03/02/08
      164.   163. Single State Solution Justice 15:55  |  a wandering Jew 03/02/08
      165.   Thanks Jeff Northridge...A Light in the Tunnel 16:35  |  Reader 03/02/08
      166.   Jeff Northridge, Isn`t It Great When a Plan Comes Together 16:59  |  Reader 03/02/08
      167.   #159 Jeff, you seem to forget some things 01:00  |  Johnboy 04/02/08
     Today Online
    Barak: We urgently need a fence along Egyptian border
    Responses: 211
    IDF commander gets 15 months in prison for W. Bank rampage
    Responses: 76
    U.S. Methodist Church renews drive for divestment from Israel
    Responses: 213
    Report: JNF parks to mark demolished Palestinian villages
    Responses: 67
    Al-Qaida claims attack near Israeli Embassy in Mauritania
    Responses: 36
    For all the excitement, very little has changed in the Gaza Strip
    Responses: 37
    Rosner's Domain
    Obama, Clinton and Iran: The vote that made the difference
    Not despite Iraq - because of Iraq
    Super Tuesday: Counting the Jewish votes (WTR)
    Poll: Is there a "constant virulent campaign" against Obama?
    The campaign for Darfur has achieved all its goals - but one


    More Headlines
    01:18 PM backs relaxing criteria for Shalit prisoner swap
    00:08 IDF troops kill Lebanese man in cross-border shooting
    21:26 Shin Bet: Militants smuggled advanced arms into Gaza Strip
    19:43 Egypt: We won't tolerate further attempts to breach Gaza border
    20:43 IAEA chief brushes off concern over Arab nuclear development
    01:07 JNF to erect signs in parks, citing destroyed Palestinian villages
    22:17 Brothers jailed for plan to set fire to cars during Gaza pullout
    18:37 MKs slam Barak decision to remain in government despite campaign pledge
    21:02 Histadrut chair warns of strike if gov't does not boost dollar
    00:05 3 IDF troops jailed for exposing themselves to Palestinians
    20:39 Brig.-Gen. Udi Dekel appointed to head PMO negotiations staff
    17:14 Mika: I want to work with Winehouse on her 'Jewish album'
    Previous Editions
    Special Offers
    Advertisement
    Touro College Israel
    New semester begins January 23. Bachelors and Masters Courses in Jerusalem.
    ISRAEL BONDS Build Israel
    Israel bonds - a multi-purpose way to celebrate Israel's 60th
    Dead Sea Salt
    Beauty and skin care from the Dead Sea. Coupon code HAARETZ for 10% off!
    FAREWELL ISRAEL New Film
    The Coming War for Islamic Revival - View Movie Trailer
    Inbal Jerusalem Hotel
    Unbeatable rates at the Finest hotel in Jerusalem
    Eldan Rent a Car
    Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on all online reservations
    SUPER-TUESDAY U.S. PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY
    U.S. citizen resident in Israel vote Democrats-Abroad Global Primary in-person
    Junkyard
    Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt
    Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Underground | Site rules |
    © Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved