U.S. Calls Israel, Palestinians to Meeting

With Palestinians facing a dire shortage of bread, milk and other essentials, U.S. officials summoned Israeli and Palestinian negotiators to an emergency meeting Sunday to resolve a standoff over Gaza's main cargo crossing.
But the Palestinian's economic misery was liable to deepen as Hamas militants sworn to Israel's destruction prepared to formally present their new Cabinet to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas later in the day. The group's failure to bring moderate forces into its government is likely to strengthen Western resolve to cut off desperately needed aid.

Palestinian officials have accused Israel of closing the vital Karni cargo crossing for most of the past two months as retribution for Hamas' sweep of parliamentary elections in January. Israeli officials deny the accusation, saying they have received numerous warnings that Palestinian militants are preparing to attack the site. Israeli also has offered an alternative crossing that the Palestinians reject. Karni is the main gateway for goods entering and exiting Gaza. Under an agreement brokered by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in November, Israel and the Palestinians agreed to boost cargo traffic through the crossing. The accord was meant to give momentum to peace efforts and economic recovery programs after Israel's pullout from Gaza. But the Karni deal was never implemented, and Israel has closed the crossing, citing security concerns.

The restrictions have hit Gaza hard. A U.N. statement issued Sunday said most bakeries in Gaza have closed due to grain shortages, and the area is suffering from an ``extreme short supply'' of dairy products and fruit. It also said the closure has hindered efforts to deliver emergency food supplies. ``We know that there is a developing problem of basic food goods, like wheat and other things,'' Abbas told reporters Sunday, saying he was sending a delegation to Tel Aviv to resolve the standoff.

``This will be discussed today and for sure we will find solutions.'' Stewart Tuttle, spokesman for the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, said American officials called the meeting to address the Palestinians' urgent humanitarian concerns.
The meeting was scheduled at the residence of U.S. Ambassador Richard Jones, and senior officials from both sides were participating. Israeli defense officials confirmed their participation. ``The immediate concern is the humanitarian need in Gaza,'' Tuttle said.

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