Date:21/09/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/09/21/stories/2007092163031900.htm

International

Palestinians discuss strategy

Atul Aneja

Islamic Jihad not to stop firing rockets at Israel

— Photo: AFP

PITCHED BATTLES: Palestinians throw stones at an Israeli bulldozer during a military incursion in to the central Gaza Strip Al-Bureij refugee camp on Thursday.

DUBAI: The former Palestinian Prime Minister, Ismail Haniyeh, has held talks with key factions after Israel declared that it would blockade the Gaza Strip in case fresh rocket attacks were launched from the territory.

Israel has declared that Gaza Strip is “hostile territory,” and said it would limit the supply of electricity to Gaza, curb transfer of fuel and restrict the movement of people and goods across established crossing points.

Mr. Haniyeh met representatives of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) on Thursday. Discussions revolved around the Qassam rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel.

Option

On Wednesday, Mr. Haniyeh held discussions with leaders of the Islamic Jihad on this subject. The group, however, has declared that it would not stop the firing of rockets at Israel. Abu Ahmed, a spokesman for Islamic Jihad said “rockets are an affirmation of our option of continuing holy war and resistance against the occupation. Therefore, resistance will only stop if the occupation ends.”

Israeli officials have been quoted as saying the disruption of electric supply would be the first step to dissuade Palestinians from firing rockets. Fuel supplies would also be held back in case rocket fire persisted. Only fuel meant for running generators at hospitals would be permitted at this stage. It is estimated that of the 200 megawatts of power that Gaza consumes, 120 megawatts is sent from Israel. Egypt supplies 17 megawatts, while 65 megawatts is generated by a Gaza power plant.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Israel was not considering full-scale invasion. Right wing politicians such as the former Prime Minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, are backing his decision. However liberal lawmaker Yossi Beilin said deprivation of essential supplies would strengthen Hamas, increase distress, and damage Israel’s image internationally.