The Palestinian Authority is seeking control over crossings between Gaza and the southern Negev and of crossings on the Jordanian border, according to PA minister Hussein A-Sheikh, who described the plans to the Bethlehem-based Maan news service.
Sheikh expressed confidence that the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza would be transferred to PA control “within the coming weeks.” The PA will use its control to “open the door widely... our goal of ending the siege will be achieved,” he declared.
Israel has prohibited Gaza Arabs from importing weapons or dual-purpose goods that could serve military purposes, and has limited travel via the Negev crossings since Hamas seized control of the region. Hamas the PA have denounced the restrictions as a “siege” on Gaza.
It was not clear if Israel would permit the PA to export goods from Gaza if it were to control the crossing.
A-Sheikh also said the PA hopes to gain further control of the Allenby crossing on the Jordanian border.
While A-Sheikh detailed PA plans for Gaza crossings, a different PA official, spokesman Ghassan Al-Khatib, told Xinhua news that he was unaware of any such plans. “The PA did not receive any official Israeli offer or even contacts about running the Gaza Strip crossings,” he said.
Hamas responded to A-Sheikh's statements and similar reports in the Israeli media by accusing the PA of attempting "a coup". PA control of Gaza crossings would prove that the PA is working with Israel to regain control of the region, he accused.