The Lebanese government adhered to its policy of refusing entry to the expelled Hamas activists and rejected Israeli proposals regarding entry from Lebanese territory of medical personnel and supply of food and medicine to them. These were some of the subjects discussed by Mr. Rabin and Mr. Jonah. It was evident that massive efforts were underway to bring this episode to an early conclusion.
Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin met this morning (Wednesday), 30.12.92, with U.N. Under-Secretary James Jonah, who returned yesterday from Beirut.
In the meeting, Mr. Jonah reported that the Lebanese government opposes the presence of the Hamas activists on its territory, and does not want to be involved in the matter.
Lebanon also turned down the proposal of the Red Cross, according to which Israel would permit the crossing of doctors and medicine through the security zone, while Lebanon will, at the same time, permit the transfer of supplies and food to the camp.
The prime minister said to Mr. Jonah that the government of Lebanon is forcing the removed [activists] to remain in its territory, and does not permit them freedom of travel or departure, to any other country. Mr. Rabin stressed that Israel was, and is still, willing to accept the proposal of the Red Cross on a mutual basis and under the conditions which were agreed upon, because the Red Cross has an international mandate to handle situations like the one which has been created in Lebanon, but it is not possible because of the Lebanese refusal.
The prime minister thanked Mr. James Jonah for his mission and efforts.