American Arab Forum
www.americanarabforum.org

American Arab Forum welcomes the Rafah Crossing Agreement

Contact Aref Assaf, 973-960-2673

Paterson, NJ: November 15, 2005: The American Arab Forum, AAF, welcomes the announcement by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that the Rafah Crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt will reopen on November 25, 2005. AAF lauds the concerted efforts by all parties who helped conclude this agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The agreement also resolves outstanding issues relating to  the Gaza seaport, airport, and a territorial link between Gaza and the West Bank.

Aref Assaf, President of AAF stated that ”the unhindered movement of people and goods between the Gaza Strip and Egypt is vital to an economically  viable Gaza Strip and the beginning of the monumental task of building the economy and infrastructure of the Palestinian society."  Mr. Assaf added that ''the direct involvement of the United States has again demonstrated its capacity at bridging differences between the Palestinians and the Israelis. We urge continued involvement by the United States in the conflict. A peaceful resolution to the conflict benefits not only benefits  the warring parties but also United States strategic and moral imperatives."

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The American Arab Forum, USA. AAF is a non-partisan and non-sectarian organization, is a registered tax-exempt, and not-for-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code.  We endeavor to provide reliable and credible information and resources to and about the Arab-American community in the United States.

Read the text of the agreement

Read the articles of the agreement