(Institute for Contemporary Affairs-Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) Pinhas Inbari - Now that the Fatah-Hamas reconciliation initiative has failed, the sporadic opening and closing of the Rafiah border crossing by Egypt continues as the only way for Gazans to reach an Arab country and from there to the world at large. According to the official PA news agency, unemployment among young Gazans stands at 41%. Security sources say that tens of thousands of young Gazans have visas for places abroad but no way to leave Gaza. Amid widespread discussion of Gazan Palestinians' desire to emigrate, a system of exit and entry in both directions needs to be devised. Considering that Gaza is controlled by Hamas, a terror organization, the system must include the necessary security arrangements. From a practical standpoint, Gaza has no need for a port of its own. Israel's ports, particularly Ashdod port, can supply Gaza's needs. The Palestinians wanted a port as a token of sovereignty. The writer is a veteran Arab affairs correspondent for Israel Radio.
2018-02-07 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive