Quartet Special Envoy’s Office - November 30, 2005 - Back to Resources Page

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30 November 2005

November 30, 2005

First Report on the Implementation of the Agreement on Access and Movement

The Quartet Special Envoy's Office is submitting the first biweekly report on the
implementation of the Agreement on Access and Movement covering the period 15 to 25
November inclusive. Data on Rafah refer to the first day of opening (26 November). The
QSE Office draws on all available data sources for reporting including the EU, UN
agencies, PA ministries, PalTrade, COGAT, the US Security Coordinator, the US Embassy
and Consulate and the World Bank.

• Rafah was opened in an official ceremony on 25 November, following arrival of the
vanguard of the EU Border Assistance Mission (BAM). On 26 November the crossing
opened for passenger traffic. In the four hours of operation, 1587 people crossed. EU
BAM will gradually increase working hours towards eventual 24-hour operation.

• The PA has successfully established clear operating procedures for Rafah. The security
working group has been established. Israel has yet to provide the Palestinian side with
updated information on the population registry.

• The liaison office at Kerem Shalom has been established. It receives live footage from
the cameras in Rafah. Operating procedures for Kerem Shalom are being discussed. So
far, the Kerem Shalom crossing has not been opened.

• As for Karni, the throughput of trucks has increased by comparison with the baseline
period (January 2004 - June 2005), reaching a daily average of 44 truckloads for
exports. No closures were reported.

• As for Erez, the average daily number of Palestinian workers and businesspeople
allowed into Israel has increased, reaching 1330 during the reporting period. During the
reported period, Erez was closed completely for three days. The Israeli authorities cited
an unspecified security threat as the reason for closure.

• Talks are ongoing with regard to improving and unifying the management system of the
crossings at Erez, Karni and Kerem Shalom.

• With regard to convoys between Gaza and the West Bank, implementation
arrangements are still to be worked out.

• As for obstacles to movement in the West Bank, OCHA reports that the number
increased from 376 on 1 August to 396 on 26 November. Work on a plan to reduce
obstacles is ongoing.

• The GoI is to send a letter assuring donors that it will not interfere with the operation of
the seaport. Discussions on the reconstruction of the airport are to be resumed soon.

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Quartet Special Envoy’s Office - November 30, 2005 - Back to Resources Page