Israel, Gaza Relations After
Disengagement
(September 21, 2005)
Vice Prime Minister Shimon
Peres convened
yesterday (Tuesday September 20) the first coordination
meeting among Ministers and relevant offices of the
Israeli Government following the disengagement from Gaza.
Vice Prime Minister Shimon Peres called this Ministers
meeting as a part of his mandate which includes the
relations between Israel and Gaza after the disengagement.
In addition to Peres, Interior Minister Pines Paz,
Justice Minister Tzipi
Livni, Internal Security Minister Gideon
Ezra, Minister Ramon and senior officials from the Ministries of Infrastructure,
Communications, Finance, Trade and Industry, Environment
and Agriculture participated in the meeting.
Peres said that "Israel has no
intention to turn Gaza into a jail. He added that, "the
residents of Gaza must have complete freedom of movement
within Gaza, and almost free movement in the entries
and exits from Gaza in accordance with Israel's need
to protect the security of its citizens." Peres
presented a number of subjects that need to be solved
in the near future, such as the Rafiah passage, an issue
which will be dealt with by the Prime Minister, the
Vice Prime Minister, the Defense Minister and the Justice
Minister. In this context, Peres indicated that talks
are occurring with the Palestinians, as well as the Egyptians with whom Israel attaches"much importance to their
participation."
Peres also stated that Israel intends
to try to facilitate the Gaza economy, and that the
international community should also cooperate to facilitate
the existence of a viable Gazan economy, and thus help
end the bitterness and the anger. Peres also noted that
the economic relations between Israel and Gaza can also
benefit Israel economically.
Other issues raised include: water,
electricity, sewage, communications, gas, border crossings,
and the seaport.
Peres will convene this forum again
next week.
Sources: IMRA |