Hamas, Jihad, reject Palestinian-Israeli border crossing deal

Nov 16, 2005, 12:00 GMT

Gaza - The militant Islamic Jihad and Hamas movements Wednesday rejected the agreement reached by Israel and the Palestinian Authority on operating the Gaza Strip border crossings.

In separate written statements sent to reporters, the movements said the agreement reached Tuesday under American sponsorship harmed Palestinian sovereignty and dignity.

Both movements said the deal came in response to Israeli and American demands and would prevent thousand of Palestinians from returning to their homeland.

Hamas said the agreement meant Israel's recent withdrawal from the Gaza Strip was incomplete.

'The Zionists have the ability to observe the Palestinians or any visitors at the Rafah crossing through cameras and through the joint operations room. The agreement gives the Israelis the right to prevent anyone from crossing Rafah terminal,' its statement said.

The Islamic Jihad statement said the United States intervened in the issue for the sake of the Israelis.

Under the border crossing deal, reached Tuesday though the mediation of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the Rafah border crossing, largely closed since Israel pulled out the Gaza Strip in August and September, will reopen on November 25.

Passengers through the terminal will be filmed on video, and European Union observers will pay an active monitoring role.