Tag Archives: border crossings

The Gaza situation took another turn as Egyptian troops opened fire on Gazans demanding that Egypt open the border to allow needed supplies to enter. About sixty people were wounded in the melee. Kassam rockets continued being fired, Israel slightly relaxed the blockade, and the UN began discussing the situation. A UN discussion must include all facets of the issues ranging from closing borders to prevent supplies from entering to the firing of rockets at civilian targets in Israel. To discuss one without the other leads only to failure at identifying solutions. On a more hopeful note, President Abbas said he would continue negotiations for peace with Israel. Abbas even offered to assume control over Gaza if Hamas would allow this to happen.

Secretary of state Rice urged Israel not to provoke a humanitarian crisis by halting shipment of needed supplies into Gaza. The International Red Cross warned medical supplies were running out and urged an end to the embargo on shipment of needed materials. Israeli tanker trucks were already pumping needed fuel into Gaza.

A group of Israel Arabs gathered at the Erezx border crossing to urge an end to the blockade and found themselves engaged in violent arguments with right wing Israel extremists. A possible outcome of the continuing crisis in Gaza is to radicalize Israel Arab youth who may well identify with the people of Gaza. It is the view of this blog that silence is not golden. There is need for all parties, including Hamas, to become engaged in dialogue. This dialogue should also include members of the Arab League who have a stake ensuring that peace exists in the Gaza area.