Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
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05TELAVIV5078 | 2005-08-16 15:06:00 | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | Embassy Tel Aviv |
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available. |
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 TEL AVIV 005078 |
1. (SBU) Summary: On the second day of disengagement, Neve Dekalim settlement remained a stronghold of resistance to evacuation. Settlers and thousands of anti-disengagement activists blocked IDF troops from entering to distribute eviction notices, although the IDF was able to negotiate and bring in cargo containers to remove the effects of those families leaving voluntarily. The message below outlines the approximate numbers of families still remaining in the settlements; the overall security situation in Gaza; Palestinian reactions to disengagement; internal Israeli political developments, including PM Sharon's meeting with key opponents of disengagement in an effort to dampen active resistance to the withdrawal; and the closure and humanitarian access situation, including the ICRC's resumption of activities in Gaza following a three week suspension. End Summary. 2. (SBU) SETTLER EVACUATION STATUS -- The following is the IDF,s assessment of the evacuation of the Gaza Strip settlements as of 1200 hrs August 16, as reported in Israeli media. Settlement: Families Total Before Departed: Disengagement Atzmona 0 83 Bedolah 11 35 Dugit 18 19 Ele Sinai 40 74 Gadid 26 63 Gan Or 20 57 Ganei Tal 8 85 Kfar Darom 0 73 Morag 16 22 Netzarim 1 64 Netzer Hazani 25 80 Neve Dekalim 150 467 Nissanit 210-230 240 Peat Sadeh 17 19 Qatif 3 61 Rafah Yam 25 27 Shelo/Shalev 3 5 Total 573-593 1474 -- Israeli police detained Settlers Council officials Bentzi Lieberman, Pinhas Wallerstein, and Zeev Hever for questioning during a march towards Gush Katif August 15. An estimated several hundred additional anti-disengagement activists were similarly detained outside of Gaza August 15. Wallerstein announced in the Israeli media that he will maintain a hunger strike until he and other detainees are released. -- In the northern West Bank, the Kaddim and Gannim settlements have been completely evacuated. In Homesh, long-term residents are reportedly discouraging young anti-disengagement infiltrators from protesting in the settlement. -- Neve Dekalim remained the center of protestor-IDF clashes August 16, with demonstrators blocking the main settlement road in an attempt to prevent soldiers from entering to hand out eviction notices, which the Israeli police claimed was a violation of an earlier agreement. IDF troops were able to negotiate with settler leaders to bring in cargo containers to remove the household effects of those settler families choosing to leave voluntarily August 16. Troops also brought in a water cannon and additional vehicles after demonstrators slashed the tires of military vehicles. -- According to the Israeli media, some GOI officials have indicated that a retroactive change in the Compensation Law could enable even those families who do not voluntarily leave the Gaza Strip by August 17 to receive most of their entitlement. PM Sharon,s bureau publicly refuted these reports. -- Israeli media reported that senior IDF sources indicated the evacuation of the settlements would be complete by Thursday, August 25. Media commentators suggested Gush Katif could be emptied of all settlers by August 21. 3. (SBU) SECURITY SITUATION -- Injuries/shootings: According to UNRWA, IDF fire injured one Palestinian in the Tel as-Sultan area early August 16. -- Shootings: According to the IDF, Palestinian militants engaged in three instances of shooting at IDF soldiers late August 15, two at Khan Yunis and one near Neve Dekalim settlement. -- Kidnapping: The French Channel 3 journalist kidnapped August 15 is still being held August 16. The UN received reports that PA officials made contact with the abductors, but PA security forces were unable to confirm this. According to UNRWA, "word on the street" reports state that the journalist is being held near Jabaliya refugee camp, although this is unconfirmed. UN security officials noted this is the first time since the October 2003 murders of U.S. security personnel that no entity has claimed responsibility for an attack within 24 hours. -- Incursions: According to UNRWA, IDF tanks and bulldozers entered the Mughraqa area near Netzarim, evacuating residents from the house of Ata al-Helo, and piling sand barriers in front of it. -- Approximately USD 2 million worth of communications gear from the EU COPPS program and the UK has been distributed to the PA security services down to the platoon level and is now operational. The GOI fast-tracked getting this gear through Israeli customs and security inspections. -- The IDF has been providing liaison officers to the PA security services down to the company level. Reports are that both sides are very satisfied with the coordination. 4. (SBU) PALESTINIAN REACTIONS -- According to Israeli media reports, 7,500 PA security forces were stationed opposite Gush Katif August 16. -- Abu Ubeida, spokesman for Hamas, military wing, told the Israeli media August 15 that Hamas will continue armed struggle against Israel despite the disengagement. Hamas has cited the withdrawal from Gaza as proof that attacks, including suicide bombings inside Green Line Israel, are the "only option." -- According to UNRWA, on August 15 PIJ held a march of approximately 1,500 people in the Nuseriat refugee camp, and Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade held a march of 1,000 people in Gaza City, to celebrate the disengagement. -- According to Gazan human rights organizations, 150 residents of the al-Sayafa area in the northern Gaza Strip were prevented from traveling August 16 due to closures related to the evacuation of the Dugit and Alei Sinai settlements. -- A former Ministry of Religious Affairs official in Gaza City told Poloff that Gazans are divided into two camps regarding disengagement: one camp believes the economic situation will improve, the other believes closures will increase economic hardship. Our contact placed himself among the optimists. He recently switched careers to become an academic expert on the tourism industry, which he hopes will prosper post-disengagement. 5. (SBU) GOI POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS -- Prime Minister Sharon has been meeting August 16 with key opponents to disengagement in an attempt to dampen active resistance to the evacuation. Leader of the National Religious Party Zevulun Orlev, a strong opponent of disengagement, announced publicly August 16 that he would not meet with Prime Minister Sharon. -- Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Josef told Shas Party chairman Eli Yishai to instruct Shas Knesset members to go to Gush Katif. Shas MK Meshulam Nahari told Poloff August 16 that all Shas MKs are already in or would soon arrive in Gush Katif, and that Yishai was there already. He stressed that it was a "bad day" for the settlers and that Shas members would be going to "strengthen" them. -- The Interministerial Disengagement Committee met late August 15 to discuss relocation and housing for settlers. The Committee approved an increase in the number of hotel rooms reserved to absorb evacuees from 1,000 to 2,000. Additionally, the committee approved some 130 additional mobile homes for settler families who have agreed to leave the Gaza Strip voluntarily. 6. (SBU) BORDER CROSSINGS/HUMANITARIAN ACCESS -- Erez Crossing and Industrial Zone: According to the UN, Erez crossing was closed to Palestinians August 16, but open to selected humanitarian and medical cases with prior coordination with the Erez Liaison Office. UNRWA reported that 37 workers and 255 factory owners were allowed to enter the Industrial Zone. -- Rafah Terminal: According to UNRWA, Rafah was open to Palestinians August 16. -- Abu Kholi junction: According to Gazan private sector contacts, Abu Kholi and Netzarim junctions were open August 16, despite earlier IDF announcements that they would be closed to Palestinians during the hours of evacuation. -- Karni Terminal: According to Gazan private sector contacts, Karni terminal was open August 16. -- Kissufim, the main crossing used to enter Gush Katif and Kfar Darom settlements, was closed to Palestinians August 16. -- The ICRC resumed field activities in the Gaza Strip August 16, ending a temporary suspension that followed the August 7 shooting at the ICRC,s Khan Yunis offices. The decision to resume activities was based on PA President Abbas, assurances to protect humanitarian organizations on the ground in Gaza. ********************************************* ******************** Visit Embassy Tel Aviv's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/telaviv You can also access this site through the State Department's Classified SIPRNET website. ********************************************* ******************** KURTZER |