Obama: Gaza can not be cut off forever
Crisis in negotiations between Israeli delegation and Palestinian factions, against the question of opening the Gaza crossings • Europeans offer help in managing the Rafah crossing • U.S. President Obama: "Gaza can not remain detached forever but to take into account the needs of Israel's security" • factions threatened to resume fighting tomorrow
- Yonah Shub
- י"א אב התשע"ד
Photo: Flash 90
"Gaza can not be cut off forever," said U.S. President Barack Obama tonight (Wednesday) at a special press conference.
U.S. President Barack Obama called a special press conference to maintain the ceasefire, adding that any long-term solution must include lifting of the blockade of the Gaza Strip while maintaining the security of Israel.
The President said that, "I said from the start that no country can tolerate rockets fired at its cities, and as a result I supported Israel's right to defend itself and do whatever it takes to prevent the firing of rockets and tunnels for terrorist attacks. It is important to remember that Hamas acted irresponsibly when it placed missile launchers in population centers and endangered the population because of this military strategy.
"I have no sympathy for Hamas, but I have much sympathy for ordinary people in Gaza who are struggling there but it must be recognized that Gaza can not remain cut off from the world forever, a situation in which those living there can not be provided with opportunities, employment and economic growth.
Obama added that "we will continue to work diligently to advance the process".
Egyptian sources claim that the Israeli delegation insisted during the talks in Cairo on the conditions of Gaza's demilitarization, and opposed the seaport and airport, although it agreed to be flexible on the subject of freeing prisoners, lifting the siege and increasing fishing space.
A German diplomatic source said that France, Britain and Germany have offered to send a EU task force to assist in managing the Rafah crossing in southern Gaza as part of an international will to rehabilitate Gaza.
He said German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his counterparts in London and Paris agreed to send a force to the border of Egypt - Gaza.
Hamas officials said yesterday that before an agreement has not yet been reached on the extension of the ceasefire and the military wing of the organization made it clear that it will renew the attack on Friday.
U.S. President Barack Obama called a special press conference to maintain the ceasefire, adding that any long-term solution must include lifting of the blockade of the Gaza Strip while maintaining the security of Israel.
The President said that, "I said from the start that no country can tolerate rockets fired at its cities, and as a result I supported Israel's right to defend itself and do whatever it takes to prevent the firing of rockets and tunnels for terrorist attacks. It is important to remember that Hamas acted irresponsibly when it placed missile launchers in population centers and endangered the population because of this military strategy.
"I have no sympathy for Hamas, but I have much sympathy for ordinary people in Gaza who are struggling there but it must be recognized that Gaza can not remain cut off from the world forever, a situation in which those living there can not be provided with opportunities, employment and economic growth.
Obama added that "we will continue to work diligently to advance the process".
Egyptian sources claim that the Israeli delegation insisted during the talks in Cairo on the conditions of Gaza's demilitarization, and opposed the seaport and airport, although it agreed to be flexible on the subject of freeing prisoners, lifting the siege and increasing fishing space.
A German diplomatic source said that France, Britain and Germany have offered to send a EU task force to assist in managing the Rafah crossing in southern Gaza as part of an international will to rehabilitate Gaza.
He said German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his counterparts in London and Paris agreed to send a force to the border of Egypt - Gaza.
Hamas officials said yesterday that before an agreement has not yet been reached on the extension of the ceasefire and the military wing of the organization made it clear that it will renew the attack on Friday.
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