Yes, Mahmoud Abbas – the ostensible president of “Palestine” understands better then Barack Obama the dangers of letting Hamas run rampant in Gaza. Make no mistake – Abbas hates Israel as much as the next Arab but he knows that the nihilism of Hamas is bad news for himself and other so called “moderates”. Contrary to what Obama has said, the blockade is “sustainable” as long as there is a will behind it. The Egyptians (no lovers of the Jews) also do not what a strengthened Hamas in Gaza as the Hamas has links to the Muslim Brotherhood. Time to talk turkey to Turkey!
Hat tip – Hot Air
by Barak Ravid
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is opposed to lifting the naval blockade of the Gaza Strip because this would bolster Hamas, according to what he told United States President Barack Obama during their meeting at the White House Wednesday. Egypt also supports this position.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once more put off announcing the creation of a committee of inquiry into the naval commando raid on the Gaza Strip flotilla, and the matter will not be brought before the cabinet for a vote this morning.
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One of the points that Abbas raised is that the naval blockade imposed by Israel on the Strip should not be lifted at this stage. The European diplomats said Egypt has made it clear to Israel, the U.S and the European Union that it is also opposes the lifting of the naval blockade because of the difficulty in inspecting the ships that would enter and leave the Gaza port.
Abbas told Obama that actions easing the blockage should be done with care and undertaken gradually so it will not be construed as a victory for Hamas. The Palestinian leader also stressed that the population in the Gaza Strip must be supported, and that pressure should be brought to bear on Israel to allow more goods, humanitarian assistance and building materials for reconstruction. Abbas, however, said this added aid can be done by opening land crossings and other steps that do not include the lifting of the naval blockade.
On Friday, Netanyahu met with Quartet representative Tony Blair in his office. This was the third meeting between the two during the last eight days, and centered on ways of easing the blockade on the Strip.
Read the rest: Abbas to Obama: I’m against lifting the Gaza blockade
Tags: Barak Ravid
