EGYPT SEEKS TO CONTINUE USE OF AWGA-NITZANA FOR

C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 002559

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/15/2012
TAGS: PREL PHUM PTER KPAL EG IS
SUBJECT: EGYPT SEEKS TO CONTINUE USE OF AWGA-NITZANA FOR
RETURN OF PALESTINIANS TO GAZA

REF: TEL AVIV 2460

Classified By: Minister Counselor for Economic and Political Affairs
William R. Stewart for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).


1. (C) A representative of the Liaison Agency with
International Organizations (LAWIO) told poloff during an
August 15 meeting at the Awga-Nitzana border crossing that
Egyptian-Israeli coordination for the return of 6,372
Palestinians to Gaza (via Israel) during the period July
29-August 12 was smooth. He said officials moved the
Palestinians from holding camps at a stadium in Al Arish to
Awga via bus (60 passengers per bus). After GOE officials
screened the travelers' identity documents and luggage at a
terminal at Awga, the Palestinians traveled by bus to the
border line where Israeli officials met them. On average,
the official said, Egypt transferred 800-900 passengers per
day, but numbers reached 1,300 on one day during the period.


2. (C) Egypt and Israel have not opened the crossing since
August 12, the LAWIO official said, but Egypt would like to
do so both to return additional Palestinians, as security
permits, and to allow Palestinians (and perhaps others) to
enter Egypt. The official said negotiations with Israel are
underway regarding the use of the crossing, but he could not
comment substantively on them. The official noted that the
Palestinians still held in GOE-controlled camps in the Sinai
(111 in Rafah, 68 in Al Arish, and 28 at the Al Arish
airport) are frustrated that they are confined "like
prisoners." But he stressed that the GOE will continue to
detain them until their status is resolved. A more senior
LAWIO official based in Cairo said coordination with Israel
for the transfer of the remaining Palestinians, some of whom
wish to go to the West Bank, is underway and going well, but
that identity checks will take time.


3. (C) Since the Hamas takeover in June, Egyptian media had
been reporting daily on the plight of the stranded
Palestinians - raising pressure on the GOE to take action on
a very sensitive subject. By working with the Israelis and
the Palestinian effectively, the Egyptians were able to
resolve the issue favorably. We will convey to the GOE that
effective cooperation such as this should serve as a model
for the GOE to address other Sinai challenges.
RICCIARDONE