US puts forward plan for Gaza

THE US has put forward plans to deploy international observers at the main cargo crossing between Israel and Gaza to prevent repeated security closures of Gaza’s economic lifeline.

Both Israel and the Palestinians support the idea. However, Israel would only consider its implementation after the release of an Israeli soldier kidnapped by Hamas-allied militants in June. US officials in Israel had no immediate comment.

The Karni crossing was closed by Israel for long stretches this year following security alerts and attacks by Palestinian militants. Virtually all of Gaza’s imports and exports go through Karni.