MGGZ01 - ISRAELI GAZA INCURSION - JERUSALEM JULY 2

C O N F I D E N T I A L JERUSALEM 002775 SIPDIS SIPDIS NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE AND IPA; NSC FOR ABRAMS/DORAN/LOGERFO E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/02/2016 TAGS: PREL ASEC CASC KPAL KWBG PHUM SUBJECT: MGGZ01 - ISRAELI GAZA INCURSION - JERUSALEM JULY 2 SITREP Classified By: Consul General Jake Walles. Reasons: 1.4 (b) and (d). -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) Israeli airstrikes over the last 24 hours damaged the Gaza office of Prime Minister Ismael Hanniyyah, among other targets. IDF forces continued their raids on Hamas-associated offices in the West Bank. Statements made by the office of President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) that blamed Hamas for continuation of the crisis were quickly denied as Palestinian officials seek to maintain a united front. The Karni border crossing between Israel and Gaza is to open for a limited period on July 2 to allow the passage of some food, fuel, and medical supplies. Press interviews held by the Consul General on July 1 to outline US actions and goals received wide Palestinian press coverage. -------------- Military Developments -------------- ¶2. (C) IDF forces conducted at least 3 airstrikes July 1-2. A helicopter attack in the pre-dawn hours of July 2 damaged the Gaza office of Prime Minister Ismael Hanniyyah. While the building was damaged, and the damage has received widespread press coverage, there were no reported injuries or deaths. An attack against an office near Jabiliyya refugee camp used by the Hamas-affiliated "executive force" resulted in one death and one serious injury. An additional strike was reported north of Gaza city, with no reported casualties. Additionally, there are reports of IDF armored force back-and-forth movements and exchanges of gunfire in the vicinity of Gaza airport, but no reported casualties. ¶3. (C) In the West Bank, according to press accounts, IDF forces raided Hamas-affiliated offices and press outlets in Jenin, Ramallah, and Jericho. -------------- Kidnap and Mediation Efforts -------------- ¶4. (SBU) There have been no developments in the case of kidnapped IDF corporal Galid Shalit, and no other reported abductions. While there has been much press speculation regarding Egyptian mediation efforts, there has been little reported progress. -------------- Political Developments -------------- ¶5. (C) Reports attributed to the office of President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) blaming the impasse in the Shalit case on lack of clarity about Hamas leadership and command relationships were quickly and widely refuted by senior Palestinian officials. The Palestinian leadership continue to seek a united front in public regarding the Israeli incursion, and are taking efforts to keep any disagreements private. -------------- Borders and Infrastructure -------------- ¶6. (C) The Karni border crossing between Israel and Gaza is scheduled to be open for a limited period of time on July 2 in order to allow for the transfer of some fuel, food, and medical supplies. PLC member Nabil Sha'ath was permitted to depart Gaza via the Rafah crossing, and has reportedly met with Egyptian officials to seek power transformers to replace those damaged in the Israeli airstrikes. Unconfirmed Palestinian media reports indicate that the Egyptians have offered some equipment, but that the GOI is blocking their import into Gaza. -------------- Consul General Press Interviews -------------- ¶7. (SBU) The Consul General held interviews on July 1 with the leading Palestinian dailies and a Palestinian TV network. Coverage by the newspapers focused on the Consul General's description of efforts being made by the US to resolve the crisis and mitigate its humanitarian effects on the population as well as a reiteration of the need for a Palestinian government that meets Quartet conditions. WALLES