Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06JERUSALEM2775
2006-07-02 09:38:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Consulate Jerusalem
Cable title:  

MGGZ01 - ISRAELI GAZA INCURSION - JERUSALEM JULY 2

Tags:  PREL ASEC CASC KPAL KWBG PHUM 
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VZCZCXYZ0004
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHJM #2775/01 1830938
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 020938Z JUL 06
FM AMCONSUL JERUSALEM
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3177
INFO RUEHXK/ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RHEHNSC/WHITE HOUSE NSC PRIORITY
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
-------

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