Israel, Palestinian Authority concerned Hamas may use human chain event to send masses marching towards border with Israel
Ali Waked, YNet, 24 February 2008
Thousands of Palestinians will join hands on Monday to form a human chain across the Gaza Strip in protest of the ongoing siege against the Hamas-ruled territory. At an expected 30 miles of length, the chain will stretch from Rafah in the south all the way to the northern town of Beit Hanun.
Israeli defense officials have emphasized that under no circumstances will security forces allow the Palestinians to sabotage or cross the fence along Gaza’s border.
Israel raises security as Gazans plan mass protest
headline changed to:
“Israel: Hamas to blame if civilians hurt in Gaza border march”
Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff and Yuval Azoulay, Haaretz, 24 February 2008
The report’s original lead:
The Israel Police will heighten security across the country on Monday, as some 40,000 Palestinians prepare to march along the Gaza Strip’s border in protest of Israel’s economic embargo on the coastal territory.
Israeli intelligence officials warned on Sunday that tens of thousands of Gazans were planning to form a human chain from Rafah to the Erez border crossing as early as 10 A.M. on Monday.
Pre-empted by this lead:
Israel warned Hamas on Sunday evening that the organization would be responsible for any consequences of a planned march along the Gaza Strip’s border Monday, saying any harm to civilians would be Hamas’ fault.
Some 40,000 Palestinians are expected to march along the Gaza Strip’s border in protest of Israel’s economic embargo on the coastal territory.
In a statement sent to all Israeli embassies and missions, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Hamas is intentionally putting civilians in a battlefront.
According to the statement, while Israel does not interfere with internal Gaza affairs, it will defend its territory and prevent anyone from crossing the border. The statement added that Israel is trying to avoid escalation, but should civilians be hurt, it would be Hamas’ fault.