Referring to babies in the Palestinian Authority (PA), the prime minister spoke of using tax revenue funds to buy drugs and supplies for PA hospitals, but stressing the need to bypass the Hamas-led government. The prime minister spoke of Israel’s genuine concern for the situation in the PA, adding he is willing to use out-of-pocket Israeli funds to purchase the needed supplies in Gaza, but the terrorism must be dismantled.
Mr. Olmert stated that there is no “humanitarian crisis” in Gaza as is being reported, adding he was in agreement with Defense Minister Amir Peretz’s decision to reopen the Karni commercial crossing on Thursday, to further alleviate the difficult situation in Gaza. The crossing was closed a number of hours later, once again, due to terror credible warnings in the area.
The prime minister spoke of the need of entering into a dialogue with the PA towards reaching an agreement, adding “the future will not change” without a dialogue, but ultimately, the decision would be Israel’s alone. Olmert called on PA leader Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) to take the necessary steps to disarm terrorists, thereby clearing the way for talks and progress.
During the interview, which was timed a number of days before Mr. Olmert’s first visit in the White House; the prime minister stated that he plans to define Israel’s permanent borders, a move necessitated by the realities of the situation, a move that must enjoy the support of Israel’s major ally, the United States.
Analysts report that during his US visit, the prime minister will place his Convergence Plan on the back burner, explaining it does not enjoy the overwhelming support of the White House as did Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s Expulsion Plan.
US President George W. Bush opposes additional unilateral policies by Israel, as does the European Union. The international community is calling on Israel to reach and agreement with the PA, to move forward based on mutual agreement, not unilateral policy decisions reached in Jerusalem.
According to senior PA official Dr. Saeb Erekat, the first step towards renewing talks is set for next week, when Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni will meet in Sharm el-Sheikh with Abu Mazen, possibly setting the stage for a meeting between Abu Mazen and Olmert.
Mr. Olmert stated that there is no “humanitarian crisis” in Gaza as is being reported, adding he was in agreement with Defense Minister Amir Peretz’s decision to reopen the Karni commercial crossing on Thursday, to further alleviate the difficult situation in Gaza. The crossing was closed a number of hours later, once again, due to terror credible warnings in the area.
The prime minister spoke of the need of entering into a dialogue with the PA towards reaching an agreement, adding “the future will not change” without a dialogue, but ultimately, the decision would be Israel’s alone. Olmert called on PA leader Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) to take the necessary steps to disarm terrorists, thereby clearing the way for talks and progress.
During the interview, which was timed a number of days before Mr. Olmert’s first visit in the White House; the prime minister stated that he plans to define Israel’s permanent borders, a move necessitated by the realities of the situation, a move that must enjoy the support of Israel’s major ally, the United States.
Analysts report that during his US visit, the prime minister will place his Convergence Plan on the back burner, explaining it does not enjoy the overwhelming support of the White House as did Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s Expulsion Plan.
US President George W. Bush opposes additional unilateral policies by Israel, as does the European Union. The international community is calling on Israel to reach and agreement with the PA, to move forward based on mutual agreement, not unilateral policy decisions reached in Jerusalem.
According to senior PA official Dr. Saeb Erekat, the first step towards renewing talks is set for next week, when Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni will meet in Sharm el-Sheikh with Abu Mazen, possibly setting the stage for a meeting between Abu Mazen and Olmert.