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Israeli Cabinet Postpones Rafah Crossing Vote


The Israeli cabinet has postponed a vote to open a key border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. Israeli radio linked the delay to a disagreement over the role of European security monitors at the Rafah crossing.

Last week, the Israeli security cabinet voted to reopen the crossing under Egyptian and Palestinian control, with Europeans monitoring the flow of people.

But the radio report says the European Union is balking at Israel's demand that its monitors arrest anyone suspected of arms smuggling.

Israeli forces left the Gaza Strip in September after a 38-year occupation, but they still control the borders of the Palestinian territory.

European delegates and Israeli negotiators met Sunday in Jerusalem in a push to resolve the dispute. The Europeans are to meet with Palestinians later in the day and Monday in Ramallah and Gaza City.

Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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