MGGZ01 - ISRAELI GAZA INCURSION - JERUSALEM JULY

C O N F I D E N T I A L JERUSALEM 003022

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE, NSC FOR ABRAMS/DORAN/LOGERFO, USAID
FOR KUNDER/MCCLOUD/BORODIN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/18/2016
TAGS: PREL ASEC CASC KPAL KWBG PHUM
SUBJECT: MGGZ01 - ISRAELI GAZA INCURSION - JERUSALEM JULY
18 SITREP

REF: JERUSALEM 03001

Classified By: Consul General Jake Walles, per reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

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Summary
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1. (C) The Rafah crossing opened July 18 to allow
2,000-3,000 Palestinians on the Egyptian side of the crossing
to enter Gaza. Palestinian contacts report that more than
700 Palestinians transited into Gaza as of 1300 local. The
IDF July 18 withdrew from parts of Beit Hanoun following its
July 17 incursion. Qassam rockets continue to fall in or
near Israeli population centers, resulting in some light
injuries and property damage. In the West Bank, the IDF is
conducting operations in Nablus and Qabatiyah village.
Palestinian President Abbas (Abu Mazen) is scheduled to
return to Gaza on July 18 for meetings with Hamas PM Isma'il
Haniyyah. The Karni/al-Mintar and Nahal Oz crossings are
open July 18.

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Rafah Crossing
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2. (C) According to USAID Gaza-based Field Staff, the
Rafah crossing opened at 0945 local July 18 to begin
processing Palestinians on the Egyptian side to enter Gaza.
Rafah crossing remains closed for departures from Gaza to
Egypt. There are an approximate 2,000-3,000 Palestinians
awaiting transit, and crossing officials estimate that more
than 700 transited by 1300 local. Crossing officials may
request additional time beyond the 1800 local scheduled
closing to process all those seeking transit.

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Military Developments
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3. (SBU) The IDF July 18 pulled out of Beit Hanoun
following its incursion into the town's western sectors. At
least two Palestinian gunmen died and five others were
wounded in the fighting. An additional seven Palestinians
were injured during the IDF withdrawal. Three IDF soldiers
sustained injuries from an anti-tank missile fired by
Palestinian gunmen. Israeli media reports cited Palestinian
claims that the IDF caused heavy damage to houses, farmland,
and water pipelines during the operation.


4. (SBU) A least seven Qassam rockets were launched from
northern Gaza toward Ashkelon, Sderot, and the Western Negev
on July 17, resulting in injuries from shrapnel to at least
one Israeli and damage to property. Both PIJ and the PRC
claimed responsibility for the rocket fire. An additional
two Qassam rockets were fired toward the Western Negev at
0900 local, July 18, but no damage or injuries were reported.


5. (SBU) In the West Bank, the IDF July 18 initiated a
second incursion into Nablus in as many days, taking
positions inside the center of the city and near the casbah
(market). Sporadic gunfire is reported, and at least three
Palestinians sustained wounds in clashes. The IDF has thus
far arrested eight Palestinians in this operation. At 1300
local, July 18, the IDF initiated an incursion into Qabatiyah
village near Jenin and imposed a curfew in anticipation of
conducting arrests. The IDF July 18 also arrested two
National Security Forces members near Qalqilya.


6. (C) Israeli police July 17 prevented a possible suicide
bombing in Jerusalem with the arrest of a Palestinian
carrying a five-kilogram explosive device near Jerusalem's
municipal buildings. Israeli security officials believe the
Palestinian originated from the Nablus area. (Comment: The
attempted bombing in Jerusalem may explain increased IDF
activity in the northern West Bank. End comment.)


7. (SBU) Following the July 16 killing of Preventive
Security Organization officer Muhammad Zaki Dahlan (reftel),
al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades gunmen from Khan Younis shot and
seriously wounded a Hamas military wing activist. In a
separate incident, al-Aqsa gunmen in Abasan near Khan Younis
opened fire at the home of a Hamas member. One Hamas
activist and two al-Aqsa gunmen were wounded in the exchange
of gunfire.

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Political Developments

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8. (C) According to Palestinian contacts in the
president's office, Abu Mazen is planning a 3-4 day visit to
Gaza. Abu Mazen is expected to meet with Hamas PM Isma'il
Haniyyah to discuss developments regarding the kidnapped
Israeli soldier and prospects for the formation of a National
Unity Government (NUG). Abu Mazen is insisting that a NUG
will only be formed following a resolution to the latest
crisis.


9. (SBU) Approximately 1,700 Palestinians, organized by
the National and Islamic Force Coordination Committee,
demonstrated through the streets of Ramallah on July 17 to
protest ongoing Israeli military action in Lebanon and Gaza.
The protesters denounced the Arab and international community
for its failure to stop "Israeli aggression," and expressed
their support for Hezbollah. Approximately 4,000 protesters
marched through Gaza City on July 17 to the offices of the
International Red Cross and UN headquarters to demand the
release of Palestinian prisoners. Additional demonstrations
are anticipated, including a "Day of Rage" demonstration by
National and Islamic Factions following Friday prayers on
July 21.

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AMCIT Update
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10. (C) Post is facilitating the departure of approximately
160 American citizens from Gaza, tentatively scheduled for
July 19, via Erez crossing.

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Humanitarian Update
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11. (SBU) Crossings: The Kerem Shalom and Sufa crossings
remain closed. The Karni/al-Mintar commercial crossing
opened July 18 at 1230 local following a delay due to ongoing
IDF operations nearby, according to PalTrade Gaza-based
official Mohammed Skaik. The Karni crossing July 17
processed 164 inbound truckloads, mainly food, according to
Skaik. The Nahal Oz fuel transfer station is operational on
July 18.


12. (SBU) Electricity: According to USAID Gaza-based field
staff, nine of the ten medium-tension electricity feeder
lines into Gaza are operational on July 18. The
medium-tension feeder line into Rafah located near Gaza's
Dahaniya airport was damaged early on July 18, thereby
cutting most of Rafah City's electricity.

WALLES