Israel Matzav

Egypt asks US to press Israel on Gaza operation

London-based Al-Quds al-Arabi reported this morning that Israel has given notice to the 'Palestinian Authority' and to Arab countries that it intends to embark on a large-scale operation in Gaza immediately after the Annapolis summit mugging.

Palestinian sources received explicite information stating that during the projected first stage of the operation, Israel is determined to gain control of Rafah and areas along the Egyptian border ranging as far as Khan Yunis, the paper said. The second stage will reportedly include an incursion into the central and northern Gaza Strip.

According to Al-Quds Al-Arabi's sources, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who rejected out of hand Israel's plan to recapture the Philadelphi Corridor, intends to send emissaries to regional countries in an effort to convey the sense of urgency regarding the danger of an Israeli incursion.

Abbas, the paper said, will state that an Israeli incursion would destroy the Gaza Strip and its infrastructure.

Infrastructure? What infrastructure? The weapons tunnels? The cesspool?

Israel Radio reported this afternoon that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has asked the United States to pressure Israel to call off the operation. I would bet on the operation being canceled. After all, Sderot isn't Tel Aviv.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 1:54 PM