TWO MORTARS FIRED FROM GAZA; CROSSINGS CLOSED

UNCLAS JERUSALEM 001099 SENSITIVE SIPDIS NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE, NSC FOR ABRAMS/SINGH/PASCUAL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KWBG IS PGOV PTER ASEC SUBJECT: TWO MORTARS FIRED FROM GAZA; CROSSINGS CLOSED EXCEPT FOR FUEL, GRAIN/FEED SHIPMENTS ¶1. (SBU) Two mortars fired from Gaza struck open areas near Nahal Oz and Kfar 'Azza on June 27. No injuries or damage resulted. There were no claims of responsibility for the attack as of 1530 local. ¶2. (SBU) Palestinian and NGO contacts report that Gaza Strip crossings were closed on June 27 except for the Karni/al-Mintar conveyer belt, which was open for animal feed and grain transfer, and the Nahal Oz fuel transfer station. The director of the Gaza Fuel Agency confirmed that Nahal Oz received a two days, supply of industrial fuel (600,000 liters) for the Gaza power plant but no gasoline, diesel or cooking gas. Around 15 medical patients with humanitarian permits were allowed through Erez on June 27. ¶3. (SBU) Hamas leaders warned all factions against violating the ceasefire on June 26, and Hamas spokesman Tahir al-Nunu called violators "pawnbrokers of the Zionist occupation" who are "outside the national consensus." Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri blamed "certain Fatah leaders in Ramallah" for firing rockets to serve factional interests and undermine Hamas. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades cells issued conflicting claims regarding June 26 Qassam fire, with multiple cells publicly claiming responsibility for the attack. President Abbas issued a statement calling for all factions to abide by the ceasefire. Nabil Amr, the PLO's Representative to Egypt, and Fatah leader Jibril Rajub also urged compliance with the ceasefire. WALLES