Sharm el-Sheikh (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Today’s summit in Sharm el-Sheikh between Israeli, Palestinian, Egyptian and Jordanian leaders has a difficult goal: finding ways to help consolidate Israel’s and most Arab countries’ support for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, following the collapse of the national unity government between Hamas and Fatah caused by the former’s takeover of the Gaza Strip.
On the eve of the meeting Israel announced that it would take economic and military measures in favour of the Palestinian National Authority and President Abbas but proposed plans to remove West Bank roadblocks have met strong resistance from the Israeli army despite being the Palestinians’ top demand.
Mr Abbas will be asking for an action plan that includes concrete steps to further the peace process and the establishment of a Palestinian state. He is expected to demand the release of hundreds of Fatah prisoners from Israeli jails, including senior Fatah operative Marwan Barghouti.
According to Israeli press reports, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is expected to release around US$ 350 million in PNA funds (customs duties and VAT) collected by Israel; expand permits for Palestinian businessmen wishing to cross into Israel; continue humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip (water, electricity, food, medicines, medical services); open the Kerem Shalom crossing which connects Israel, Egypt and Gaza to people and cargo; and allow the transfer of armoured cars to Fatah forces in the West Bank.
Still unclear though is Israel’s position on removing West Bank roadblocks, one of Abbas’ main demands, something that even US President George W. Bush is said to have asked.
Israeli security chiefs remained opposed to the idea because it would make it easier for would-be terrorists to move around. Other voices suggest instead that if roadblocks are not lifted, Abbas might be forced back into the arms of Hamas.
“We have a crazy cycle here,” said Mr Olmert with dangers all around. However, “we must find a median path,” he said.
