JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert promised Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday that Israel would not let a humanitarian crisis develop in Gaza, whose Islamic Hamas rulers shattered an Israeli economic blockade by knocking down a border crossing with Egypt. Hamas dramatic border breach was the focus of Sunday s meeting between Olmert and Abbas, whose efforts to advance newly resumed peace negotiations have been sidelined by various crises. Israel wants Egypt to seal its border with the Gaza Strip as it did immediately after Hamas seized control there in June. But Abbas, who is interested in regaining a toehold in the seaside territory, wants the passage to remain open and for his forces to assume control of the Gaza side of the crossing. Both Israel and Hamas are cool to Abbas proposal. Abbas, whose moderate government rules only the West Bank, reasons the move would permit Israel to relax its economic sanctions on impoverished Gaza. But the Palestinian president has not explained how his men could operate in Hamas-run territory, let alone run border traffic effectively. His plan would also amount to tacit recognition of Hamas rule in Gaza, something he has adamantly refused to do since the takeover. Both sides described Sunday s talks as constructive and positive, and said Israel reiterated its pledge to avert a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The leaders spoke at length about the situation in the Gaza Strip, Olmert spokesman David Baker said. They spoke about the need to prevent a humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. He had no immediate information on whether Israel intended to increase the amount of aid now entering Gaza. Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat confirmed that Israel pledged to avoid a humanitarian crisis. Erekat said Abbas brought up his proposal to have his forces control the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing, which they did under a US-brokered agreement that prevailed before the Hamas takeover. Abbas also plans to bring up the proposal in a meeting Wednesday with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in Cairo. Hamas spokesman Taher Nunu said the Gaza government rejected any attempt to revive the old border agreement. For Abbas proposal to go ahead, it would also require Israeli approval. And although Israel has said it would consider such an arrangement, defense officials have privately rejected the idea as impractical, doubting the ability of Abbas forces to secure the crossing. Some Israeli officials, like Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai, hope Egypt will keep its border with Gaza open, allowing Israel to completely seal off its own crossings with the territory.
