The freeze in communications between Israel’s government and the Palestinian Authority come at a time where there are protests in Gaza. Asides from the protests throughout Gaza, there are a new wave of clashes against Israeli forces taking place in Gaza’s West Bank.
The violence on Saturday, March 1 was deemed to be brutal. Perhaps, it was the most brutal and bloody days in Gaza for the longest time. Almost 70 people were killed in the violence on Saturday.
However, Ehud Olmert, the Prime Minister of Israel said that the assault on Gaza will continue. Olmert said that he is responding to rocket attacks on Israel by Palestinian militants.
Recently, Egypt’s government said it had already opened the border crossing with Gaza to allow for Palestinians injured in the violence to get medical help. However, at least 100 will be allowed into Egypt according to the reports.
Both the United States and the United Nations (UN) had called upon both sides to use restraint.
Olmert and Abbas were on the “roadmap” to peace. There have been many road bumps on the way such as the conflict over housing and settlement expansion. The violence taking place in Gaza could be considered a major bump in the road. Abbas’ decision to suspend contact with Olmert could be deemed a gigantic pothole in the road to peace between the Israelis and Palestinians.