Posted on 08/18/2003 5:40:28 AM PDT by SJackson
Arms smuggling from Egypt to the PA via Gaza has reached catastrophic proportions, Israeli security experts say. Hundreds of weapons, thousands of bullets, and tremendous amounts of other ammunition make their way every day via the tunnels under Rafiach to Hamas and Islamic Jihad storehouses in Khan Yunis and Gaza City.
Egypt is doing little to stop the smuggling, and the Palestinian Authority is doing nothing to stop it. The PA is in fact ignoring all evidence of terrorist preparations for the end of the hudna ceasefire. Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists practice shooting and other military activity in broad daylight.
Diplomatic sources in Jerusalem said this morning that the Palestinians are preparing for renewed fighting. Just yesterday, Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz told the Cabinet that Abu Mazen and Dahlan have shown encouraging signs, since Friday, in their approach towards the terrorist infrastructures.
A meeting of several hours last night between Israeli and PA leaders last night did not lead to an agreement, and the transfer of Kalkilye and Jericho to PA control has been put off for now. Another meeting is planned for today. The main disagreement concerns the manner in which Dahlan's forces will supervise heavily-wanted terrorists. Israel has apparently given up on its demand to arrest them or have them transferred to Jericho - but is standing firm on having them closely supervised by the PA.
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