Agreement on Movement and Access (AMA) – Quartet Special Envoy fourth implementation report/Non-UN document

OFFICE OF
THE SPECIAL ENVOY FOR DISENGAGEMENT

10 January 2006

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

The Quartet Special Envoy's Office is submitting the fourth bi-weekly report on the implementation of the 15 November Agreement on Movement and Access, covering the period 24 December 2005 to 6 January 2006 inclusive.

• Rafah was open daily during the reporting period. Standard opening hours have increased to 8-9 hour a day. Between 24 and 26 December, opening hours were extended to meet the needs of Mecca pilgrims. On 30 December, Rafah did not open at the request of demonstrating Palestinian policemen. The terminal stayed closed for 7 hours during which the EU BAM was advised to relocate to Kerem Shalom. Three security incidents on the Palestinian side of the border were reported. The most serious incident occurred on 4 January when a group of gunmen broke through the border with Egypt, northwest of Rafah. It did not affect operations at the crossing.

• Karni has operated continuously since 15 November, with the exception of 6 January, on which Karni remained closed due to heavy fog. The average daily throughput of export truck loads stands at 67, with a maximum of 88 truck loads on 3 January. Measures to upgrade Karni are underway. A large scanner arrived at Karni on 25 December, and is being modified for installation and usage.

• Erez remained closed for Palestinians throughout the reporting period.

• There have been no discussions on the introduction of bus convoys between Gaza and the West Bank since mid-December.

• OCHA reports an increase in the number of obstacles to movement in the West Bank from 402 to 411. Discussions between the GoI and the US, with OCHA's participation, have not yet yielded a plan to reduce obstacles.

__________