Gaza International Airport, inaugurated in November 1998, is one of the most potent signs of Palestinian statehood. However, the airport has ceased operations over the past months due to the fighting between Israelis and Palestinians. Located in the Rafah area close to the Palestinian Egyptian boarder, the airport’s locale was the scene of intense clashes.
Gaza International Airport has one runway, 3080m length and 60m wide, capable of handling even the largest airliner jets. On the night between December 3rd and 4th, an Israeli armored force stormed the airport, and provided cover as Israeli bulldozers tore up holes in the runway, permanently preventing its use. The incident occurred shortly after Israeli helicopter gunships attacked Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat’s helicopter hangers.
Palestinian officials told the Associated press earlier this week that Israel had agreed to allow reopening of the airport, along with the removal of a number of other travel restrictions. Reports now indicate work is proceeding at a rapid pace to remove the debris from the damaged runway and to repair it, and other airport facilities, for use.
However, while the airport may shortly be reopened, at least one Palestinian will not be able to use it – the Washington Times reported that Raanan Gissin, Israeli Prime Minister Sharon's spokesman, said that despite the airport reopening, Arafat would not be allowed to travel until Palestinian police arrest the assassins of an Israeli Cabinet minister gunned down in October. Arafat has been stranded in his Ramallah office by Israeli travel restrictions since the December 3rd attack on his helicopter fleet. (www.albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
