GAZA-EGYPT BORDER SECURITY UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 18

C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 007297 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/18/2015 TAGS: PREL PTER MOPS KPAL PINS EG IS SUBJECT: GAZA-EGYPT BORDER SECURITY UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 18 REF: A. CAIRO 7210 ¶B. CAIRO 7158 Classified by ECPO Minister Counselor Michael Corbin for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) Embassy officers at the Rafah border September 18 reported that formal GOE border terminals remain closed, as civilian two-way foot traffic to and from Egypt continues at modest levels through monitored gaps in security fences on the Egyptian side of the border north of the Rafah Terminal. The majority of foot traffic was Palestinians returning from Egypt into Gaza. The Egyptian security presence along the full stretch of the border continues to expand and efforts are being made to repair breaches in the fences at seven locations north of Rafah Terminal. Egyptian officers are checking identification papers of all those seeking access to/from Egypt while Palestinian shoppers continue to buy up commercial goods in El Arish, doubling prices and emptying shelves throughout the city and surrounding towns. Large quantities of consumer goods are being taken back on foot to Gaza with little to no physical inspection by GOE border officials. Dollars and shekels remain the currency of choice. End summary. -------------- September 18 Observations -------------- ¶2. (C) Embassy officers located at the Rafah-Gaza border area September 17 and 18 report that Egyptian security force deployments have increased overall, but that the flow of pedestrians through seven unofficial locations north of the Rafah Terminal continues. Additionally, Emboffs were told that of the 11 holes cut in the fence on the Egyptian side of the border, four had already been repaired/sealed. Egyptian Border Guard Force (BGF) elements, along with Central Security forces were reportedly stationed at the seven remaining locations. All those seeking to cross the no-man zone from Egypt to Gaza must first show proper identification papers. Egyptians returning from Gaza also must show proper Egyptian ID papers to be permitted back into Egypt. Palestinians in Egypt without proper ID are reportedly being handed over to PA security officials along the border to be interviewed. Palestinian Authority security officials appear to have plugged major breaches in the concrete and metal barriers that were reportedly destroyed by Palestinian militants. ¶3. (C) On the night of September 17, Emboffs reported seeing "throngs" of Palestinians in and around the town of El Arish, shopping and bartering in the city's open-air markets. Local residents report significant price increases for most basic commodities and food-stuffs, particularly high-value, easily salable items like cigarettes and appliances. Notably, Emboffs observed large numbers of chinese-made air rifles being purchased and carried back to Gaza. The buyers told Emboffs their air guns would be used for bird shooting. ¶4. (C) Despite the heavier GOE security contingent - including at least 10 BGF Fauds patrolling the Egyptian side of the border north of the Rafah terminal and about 500 Central Security forces in riot gear - Egyptian officials on the scene appeared nervous toward the presence of Emboffs in and around the border area. During a September 18 meeting with Egyptian border security liaison officials, Emboffs were urged to depart the border area and were forbidden to transit the north-south road along the Egyptian side of the border. Emboffs heard automatic weapon fire from the Gaza side of the border on the morning of September 17 and were told that it came from PA security forces who were reportedly firing into the air in an effort to disperse a crowd in the no-man's zone. This incident was cited as a reason for the heightened concern. Also, the latest deadline for fully closing the Egyptian border to unofficial crossings appears to have once again been sidelined. Visit Embassy Cairo's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/cairo You can also access this site through the State Department's Classified SIPRNET website. JONES