Peretz considers easing goods policy at Gaza Strip crossings

[Scurrilous]

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"Defense Minister Amir Peretz is considering easing the policy on transporting goods between Israel and the Gaza Strip, out of concern that the current stringent policy at the border crossings is causing humanitarian damage to Palestinians in Gaza.

Peretz, who will visit the Israel Defense Forces Southern Command facilities next week for the first time since becoming defense minister, plans to review the defense establishment's policy on the Gaza border crossings shortly. He also plans to review the continued massive artillery fire at the Strip.

In the wake of a Quartet-supported French initiative to transfer foreign aid directly to the office of Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, security officials are concerned that a continued strict policy at the crossings could lead the international community to further soften its stance toward the Hamas government. If Israel eases up at the Gaza crossings, this would deflect some of the international community's complaints against it.

Peretz is aware that the Karni crossing has been closed for extended periods over the past few months due to a terror threat. A planned attack on the crossing was thwarted two weeks ago by the Palestinian security services. However, the defense minister appears to think that there is room for greater flexibility on this issue in light of Gaza residents' distress."

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/714855.html

[ShalachEtAmi]

1. Lets hope they do not try blow up the crossing before Peretz acts...nt