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| Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06JERUSALEM2940 | 2006-07-15 10:42:00 | CONFIDENTIAL | Consulate Jerusalem |
Cable title:
MGGZ01 - ISRAELI GAZA INCURSION - JERUSALEM JULY
how-to|
1. (C) Palestinian gunmen blew open a six-meter hole in the wall separating Gaza from Egypt near the Rafah crossing on the evening of July 14, enabling close to 3,000 Palestinians to cross from Egypt into Gaza. At least one Egyptian security officer was injured in the exchange of gunfire; Egyptian forces and the Palestinian presidential guard have since regained control. The IDF has moved its forces away from central and southern Gaza Palestinian population centers. IAF air strikes and tank fire continued July 14-15, resulting in at least two Palestinian deaths and injuries to seven others. Abu Mazen has reportedly stepped up efforts to mediate a prisoner exchange for the captured IDF soldier in Gaza. The Karni/al-Mintar and Nahal Oz crossings are closed. -------------------------- Rafah Crossing -------------------------- 2. (C) According to ConGen Palestinian contacts in the president's office and presidential guard, at 1830 local on July 14 approximately 60-70 armed gunmen blew open a six-meter wide hole in the wall separating Gaza from Egypt near the Rafah crossing, enabling an initial 200 Palestinians on the Egyptian side of the crossing to pass through into Gaza. Israeli helicopter gunfire attempted to prevent the gunmen from pouring through the opening, while Egyptian and Palestinian security sought to regain control the situation. The gunmen, however, succeeded in passing through the opening into the Egyptian side of the crossing. In the ensuing confusion, an additional 2,700 Palestinians awaiting passage were able to cross into Gaza. The flow of people into Gaza continued until midnight of July 15 when the gunmen vacated the area. At least one Egyptian security officer was wounded in the exchange of gunfire. Egyptian and presidential guard security have since restored control over the Rafah crossing. -------------------------- Military Developments -------------------------- 3. (SBU) The IDF has pulled out of central and southern Gaza population areas toward the Gaza fence line. Despite the re-deployment of ground forces, targeted strikes against suspected militants continued July 14-15. At 1030 local July 15, Palestinian contacts reported an explosion at a house in the Hamas stronghold of Shaykh Radwan in Gaza City. The explosion killed one Hamas militant and injured seven others, including two critically. In the early morning hours of July 15, IDF shelling near Deir al-Balah in central Gaza resulted in one Palestinian death. The IAF also targeted the Ministry of Economy building in Gaza City, damaging the top two floors of the building, including the minister's office. The IAF has previously targeted the Interior and Foreign Affairs ministries. 4. (SBU) A total of seven Qassam rockets were launched from northern Gaza toward Sderot July 14-15. There were no reported injuries but some damage to buildings. In the West Bank, the IDF conducted an incursion into Nablus the evening of July 14, arresting a total of six Hamas and Fatah activists. There were several demonstrations July 14 in Gaza (Rafah, Khan Younis, Gaza City) and in the West Bank ( Ramallah, Nablus, Jenin, Hebron) to protest Israeli military operations in Gaza and in Lebanon. -------------------------- Political Developments -------------------------- 5. (C) According to Palestinian contacts in the president's office, Abu Mazen is intensifying efforts to separate the kidnapping of Gilad Shalit in Gaza from the July 12 kidnappings of two Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah. Abu Mazen has reached out to Hamas officials in Gaza to procure an agreement for the soldier's freedom in return for the release of Palestinian prisoners. Abu Mazen has also sent envoys to confer with Hamas official Muhammad Nazal who is meeting with Egyptian officials. WALLES |