(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)
In order to prevent a humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has decided to adopt a security establishment proposal to establish a humanitarian corridor in the Strip to assist the population. This would entail opening geographic areas for certain periods of time during which the population would be able to equip itself and receive the assistance. The exact details will be determined by the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories.
Since the start of Operation Cast Lead, Israel - as is well known- has channeled hundreds of tons of equipment, goods and food in quantities equal to those which it channeled in the months preceding the Operation despite Hamas activity among population concentrations and even though the continued fight against Hamas terrorists created difficulties in delivering the aid to the civilian population.
Prime Minister Olmert spoke last night (Tuesday), 6 January 2009, with US Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice and updated her on diplomatic and military developments in the wake of the operation in Gaza. The two also discussed the humanitarian situation; the Prime Minister informed her of his aforementioned decision.