Abbas prepares security overhaul of crossin

Abbas prepares security overhaul of crossings
(Reuters)

15 June 2006

JERUSALEM - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s office is drawing up plans to tighten security at Gaza’s main commercial crossing and bolster a border agency under his control, Palestinian and Western sources said.


The plan, crafted with US input, is aimed at addressing Israeli concerns about security at the Karni crossing while sidelining the Hamas-led government.

Abbas hopes to reach a deal with Israel to ease restrictions on Palestinian exports through Karni, through which virtually all trade between Israel and the impoverished coastal strip must pass, the sources said.

A deal could give Abbas a political boost in his showdown with Hamas over a July 26 referendum over a proposal for Palestinian statehood that implicitly recognises Israel. Sworn to Israel’s destruction, Hamas opposes the referendum.

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