Palestinian official: Egypt brokering new truce

[Scurrilous]

Senior official's announcement comes after President Mubarak says Hamas attempting to take control of Rafah crossing

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3649392,00.html

<snip>

"Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said Friday that no humanitarian aid would be transferred to Gaza without Israel's approval, and that Israel should control the goods crossings as "the occupational authority ruling the Gaza Strip", Al-Jazeera reported.

Meanwhile a Palestinian official said Egypt had begun an initiative to end the fighting in Gaza. The senior Palestinian official, who has been close to previous talks between Egypt and Hamas, said Egypt had started contacts with Hamas to discuss ideas about restoring a ceasefire to the strip.

The announcement came immediately after Mubarak accused Hamas of trying to take over the Rafah crossing, claiming that Hamas could not ask Egypt to open the crossing while declaring that the Palestinian territories are being occupied.

"They say 'Palestinian territory is occupied territory' – in occupied territory the occupier is the one in charge of what comes in and what goes out. The problem is that Hamas wants the crossing to itself," Mubarak said.

He claimed Hamas' refusal to allow members of Fatah to participate in the hajj pilgrimage was proof of this.

"As long as the land is occupied, Israel must observe what goes in – are weapons going in? Is ammunition going in? This is the status with Jordan and all of its crossings," the president added."

[Igel]

1. I rather like that bit of jujitsu.

"They say 'Palestinian territory is occupied territory' – in occupied territory the occupier is the one in charge of what comes in and what goes out."

Everybody wants it both ways. Rather neat.

Well, no, not "everybody", actually. Treaty could provide for the same thing (actually, treaty provides the basis for Mubarak's statement).

Because by treaty, not just common sense, occupiers are in charge of a territory, Mubarak's off the hook: He has an out. I'm not sure he completely believes it.

At the same time, the treaty between Egypt, Israel, and the PA provides for joint control over the port of entry. While the PA may not have agreed to it otherwise, it renders the "occupation" mantra moot. The basis for Israeli input is a separate agreement, not international law concerning occupation. In which case Mubarak is again off the hook.

In fact, he can use one rationale with one group, and the other rationale with another group. Deny the authority of the PA, and claim occupation? Fine, you're occupied, deal with it. Say you're not occupied? Fine, there's an agreement with the legally authorized body in charge of your area ... since, well, we don't recognize your coup. Fortunately, I'm not aware of a group that rejects both--says they're not occupied and the PA has no authority. Then Mubarak may actually have to assert something as the basis for his statement, and that would mean taking a stand.

Mubarak's truly blessed in this regard.

[IndianaGreen]

2. Mubarak is on the CIA payroll

and he remains in power thru terror and torture.

[The Magistrate]

3. Let Us Hope It Works, Sir, And Works Out Soon

To many people have died already for what measly gains either side could have hoped for out this; it is a bad business all around.