GAZA CEASEFIRE CONTINUES FOR 4TH DAY; NO CHANGE IN

UNCLAS JERUSALEM 001069 SENSITIVE SIPDIS NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE, NSC FOR ABRAMS/SINGH/PASCUAL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KWBG IS PGOV PTER SUBJECT: GAZA CEASEFIRE CONTINUES FOR 4TH DAY; NO CHANGE IN STATUS OF GAZA CROSSINGS ¶1. (SBU) The Gaza Strip ceasefire is being observed without significant security incidents as of 1600 local on June 23 (the 4th day since the ceasefire took effect). Local contacts report Israeli Navy fire toward Palestinian fishing boats approaching the GOI's maritime limit line early on June 20-21, and that the IDF fired warning shots toward Palestinians who approached within 500 meters of the perimeter fence along the edge of the Gaza Strip. No injuries or damage were reported from these incidents. No rockets or mortars have been fired since the ceasefire took effect. ¶2. (SBU) Several prominent Fatah and PA-linked officials complain of increased detentions and of harassment by Hamas security forces since the ceasefire took effect, including of Rafah's Mayor, Ali Barhum (whom Hamas has purported to replace with a Hamas loyalist). He was detained for questioning on June 22. Former Hamas Interior Minister Sa'id Siyam announced that Hamas will station forces near Gaza's crossings and take actions against "those involved in interference with the national interests of the Palestinian people." ¶3. (SBU) An estimated 75 truckloads of commercial and humanitarian shipments had entered Gaza via the Sufa crossing as of 1600 local on June 23; on June 22, sixty-nine trucks were transferred. Nahal Oz fuel transfer station was open June 22-23 to meet IDF-restricted imports numbers of 2.2 million liters/weekly of industrial fuel for the power plant, 880.000 liters/weekly of diesel fuel, 75,000 liters/weekly of gasoline and around 1200 tons/weekly of cooking gas. According to the Gaza Fuel Agency, as of June 23 there has been no increase in fuel imports since the June 19 agreement. An estimated 60 truckloads of wheat and animal feed entered Gaza via the Karni/al-Mintar conveyor belt on June 23. Kerem Shalom crossing and the back-to-back terminals at Karni/al-Mintar remain closed as of 1600 local on June 23. Rafah Crossing was closed on June 22-23. DUFFY