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FACTBOX: Factors in debate on Gaza-Egypt border opening

Wed Mar 5, 2008 3:56pm EST
 
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(Reuters) - International negotiations are under way on reopening Egypt's border crossing with the Gaza Strip at Rafah to ensure supplies to Palestinians living under the rule of Hamas, which is shunned by its neighbors and world powers.

Here are key factors for the various parties involved:

ISRAEL:

- A 2005 accord gives it effective veto over access to Gaza through Rafah. It controls other land, sea and air borders

- Angry at Hamas rocket fire, wants to "disconnect" from Gaza while stemming international criticism of blockade strategy

- Wants to maintain security checks on movements into Gaza

HAMAS:

- Seeks supplies to stem discontent since it seized control in June from forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas

- Israel accuses Hamas of smuggling in weapons from Egypt

EGYPT:

- In a 30-year-old "cold peace" with Israel, wants to avoid public and Arab anger at its role in hardships for Gaza's people

- Anxious to restrict Hamas contacts and mutual aid with Egypt's own Islamist opposition, the banned Muslim Brotherhood

- Unwilling to be drawn into shouldering economic burden in territory it controlled between 1948 and 1967

PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY:

- Abbas's Fatah faction sees restoring Palestinian Authority border personnel as foothold to regain authority in Gaza after defeat by Hamas in June

- Seeks credit with voters in Gaza and West Bank for easing hardships of the 1.5 million Gazans  Continued...

 

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