Rice brokers Gaza Strip border deal

PRODDED by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Israel and the Palestinians agreed yesterday on details for opening the borders of the Gaza Strip and allowing freer movement for Palestinians elsewhere.

It is regarded as a significant step toward an eventual peace deal between historic enemies.

The agreement, which gives the Palestinians control over a border for the first time, took all-night negotiations and a strong diplomatic shove from Ms Rice. The basic elements of the deal had been in the works for weeks.