MGGZ01 - JERUSALEM JULY 23 SITREP

C O N F I D E N T I A L JERUSALEM 003100

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

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

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/22/2016
TAGS: PREL PHUM ASEC CASC KPAL KWBG
SUBJECT: MGGZ01 - JERUSALEM JULY 23 SITREP


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 Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continued arrest
operations in the West Bank and small incursions into the
Gaza Strip on July 22-23, and Qassam rockets continued to be
launched from Gaza into the western Negev and Sderot. Media
reports that Palestinian factions in Gaza had reached
agreement on a cease-fire on July 22, were denied later that
night and on July 23 by spokesmen for some of the key
factions. Fatah-Hamas tension continued in Gaza, as the
Hamas Interior Minister attempted to dismiss the
Fatah-controlled Preventive Security Organization commander
in Gaza. The Rafah and Karni/al-Mintar crossings into Gaza
are closed on July 23, but the Nahal Oz fuel transfer station
is operational. Jabalia and Beit Hanoun areas do not have
electricity July 23.

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MILITARY DEVELOPMENTS
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2. (SBU) The IDF arrested seven Palestinians in the West
Bank cities of Jenin and Nablus on the night of 22-23 July.
The IDF also reportedly arrested a Palestinian with a bag of
explosives near Gilo in southern Jerusalem on July 22.


3. (SBU) In Gaza, Israeli forces conducted small incursions
on July 22 in the areas around the border fence and the Rafah
International Airport.


4. (SBU) Several Qassams were fired during the night and
early morning of 22-23 July from Gaza into the western Negev
and Sderot. There were no reported injuries or damage.

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POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS
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5. (C) The media reported on July 22 that the Palestinian
factions in Gaza had reached an agreement for a cease-fire in
return for the cessation of all Israeli attacks against Gaza.
On July 23 some Palestinian factions -- including a Hamas
spokesman, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ),and the
Fatah-affiliated Abu Rish Brigades -- denied such an
agreement had been reached. Fatah sources told ConGen FSN
political specialist that a deal is being negotiated among
the factions, but that it requires Israeli agreement to cease
all incursions.


6. (C) In a sign of continuing Fatah-Hamas tensions, the
media reported that on July 22 Hamas Interior Minister Said
Siam decided to dismiss Suleiman Abu Mutlak, the
Fatah-controlled Preventive Security Organization (PSO)
commander in Gaza. Fatah sources told ConGen FSN political
specialist that Abu Mutlak has refused to be fired, and
continues to serve as commander.


7. (C) President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) returned from
Gaza to Ramallah late on July 22. He met on July 23 with
CODEL Hoekstra and the Consul General. Abbas is also
scheduled to meet with the foreign ministers of Germany and
France, and the UK Minister of State for the Middle East Kim
Howells.

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HUMANITARIAN UPDATE
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8. (SBU) The Rafah passenger crossing is closed July 23.
The Karni/al-Mintar crossing is closed July 23. The Nahal Oz
fuel transfer station is operational July 23.


9. (SBU) Nine of ten electricity feeder lines from Israel
into Gaza are operational July 23. One of the two feeder
lines in Northern Gaza was damaged July 22, repaired later
that evening, and damaged early on July 23, therefore Jabalia
and Beit Hanoun do not have electricity July 23.

WALLES