6,000 Palestinians Still Prohibited by Israeli Government to Enter Gaza Strip from Egypt, Israeli-Egyptian Crossing Post Closed Under Threat of Attacks

Kerem Shalom Crossing to remain closed Thursday due to "Hamas threats" 

Date: 05 / 07 / 2007 Time: 09:18

Bethlehem - Ma'an - 

The Israeli authorities retracted their decision to open the Karm Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Thursday "in light of Hamas' threats," Israeli sources said on Thursday.

The sources added that the Egyptian authorities had received a letter from Hamas saying that the Hamas movement would not be responsible for security around the crossing.

The Egyptian authorities had coordinated with the Israelis to open the Kerem Shalom crossing in order to allow the entry of approximately 6,000 Palestinians who are trapped on the Egyptian side of the border.

Palestinian parties are demanding that the normal Egypt-Gaza crossing point, Rafah Crossing, be opened for this purpose as they object to Israel controlling the travellers' return home.

Gazans, waiting at Rafah Crossing to return home, complain of the poor conditions, appeal for a solution 

Date: 05 / 07 / 2007 Time: 11:48

Rafah - Ma'an report - 

"Our health and living conditions are very complicated and we are leading a harsh life waiting for that crossing to be opened," an elderly Palestinian man, Hajj Asalih, told Ma'an, as he waited for Rafah Crossing, between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, to open.

He explained how children, men and women are "suffering together" as they contemplate what the future may hold, while they wait "under the burning sun" for the crossing to be opened.

Hajj Asalih, 64, said he has been trapped at the crossing for about a month. Previously, he had been in hospital in Egypt, accompanied by his son, preparing for eye surgery.

Describing the situation as "unbearable" due to the sun and the isolation as they wait "for the Israelis to release them", he called on the international community and human rights organizations to intervene to end their misery and suffering.

Hajj Asalih also expressed his anger about the "provocative rumors" that the crossing would be opened and yet it remains closed, becoming increasingly crowded as more Gazans arrive.

Another elderly Palestinian man, Hajj Fayez Mustafa, said he was surprised to find so many people trapped at the crossing. While taking his pills, he also complained about his poor health.

He pointed out that there are many sick people who need a high level of medical care. Regarding his own case, he said he would not return to the Egyptian hospital because he wishes to remain close to the crossing in case of any sudden opening.

Hajj Mustafa added that the stranded Palestinians are generally unable to make any more expenditure, especially in light of the economic blockade imposed on the Palestinian people.

He called on President Mahmoud Abbas to broker a solution to their situation.

A female Palestinian stuck at the crossing, Fatima Ibrahim, 42, called for assistance and aid, adding that she is worried about her children whom she left alone in Gaza.

She urged the Palestinian Authority to make wise decisions that will not harm her or anyone. At the same time, she mentioned the mistreatment and abuse carried out by the Israeli occupation.

On the other hand, 'Ala' Darwish, 21, who has just completed his studies and was so excited to be returning to his beloved family in Gaza, said he was surprised to be trapped at the Rafah crossing in such difficult conditions.

Thousands of Gazans are waiting to return. Egyptian and Palestinian sources have calculated that there are nearly 6,000 Palestinian citizens from the Gaza Strip stuck in Egyptian territory, mostly in the coastal city of Arish, and places nearby. They are all waiting for the Rafah crossing, which was closed on 6 June, to be reopened.

According to medical sources and human rights organisations, three Palestinians have died as a result of the difficult conditions at the crossing. In addition, there are reportedly hundreds of cases of sickness requiring urgent medical treatment, mostly amongst the elderly, women and children.

Palestinian sources: Abbas hinders reopening Rafah crossing to pressure Hamas

[ 05/07/2007 - 09:46 AM ]

GAZA, (PIC)-- 

Palestinian sources affirmed that PA chief Mahmoud Abbas is the one who hampers the reopening of the Rafah crossing, the only gateway for Gaza inhabitants to the outside world.

About 6,000 Palestinians have been stuck under harsh conditions on the Egyptian side for three weeks as a result of the continued closure of the crossing, where a Palestinian lady, a mother of five children, and an elderly man had died of health deterioration, according to the sources

For its part, the European delegation at the crossing confirmed that the potential for reopening the crossing is available and expressed readiness to operate the crossing, but "Ramallah", in reference to Abbas, refuses to issue orders to operate it, as the EU observation team needs the Palestinian side's approval in order to work.

Accordingly, Abbas and Fayyad's government are illegally exploiting "the suffering of the sick and the elderly in order to achieve political gains and to pressure Hamas through the policy of mass punishment," the sources added.

For its part, the "Change and Reform" bloc affiliated with Hamas appealed to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, the international community and all those concerned "to hasten the reopening of that terminal before the critical situation explodes," holding Abbas fully responsible for the suffering of Palestinians trapped at the crossing.

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