GAZA CITY: Israel yesterday reopened vital crossings into the Gaza Strip in keeping with a truce with Hamas there, and much-needed supplies began flowing into the impoverished territory again.
Since the truce went into effect on June 19, Israel has closed the crossings three times in response to rocket attacks. Yesterday there was a moment of tension when the military said a Palestinian sniper in Gaza targeted an Israeli farmer just across the border, hitting the tractor. Several hours later, however, the military admitted there was no sniper attack, saying damage to the tractor might have been caused by a stone.
The truce has largely held, but the underlying mistrust is illustrated by short fuses on both sides. Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said yesterday that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Premier Ehud Olmert plan to meet on July 13 on the sidelines of an international gathering in the French capital.
Curfew
Israeli forces yesterday placed the West Bank village of Ni’lin under curfew. The curfew came in response to violent protests there against Israel’s West Bank separation barrier. Three demonstrators were arrested.
Palestinians slammed the decision to impose a closure on the village and accused the Israeli troops of assaulting worshippers during Friday’s protest.
The military said the unrest has forced suspension of construction of the separation barrier, a planned 790 km structure Israel is building along the West Bank. Israel says the barrier is needed to keep Palestinian attackers out of Israel. But the Palestinians say the structure is a way for Israel to swallow land the Palestinians claim for a state.
— With input from agencies
