Departing from Israel to make stopovers in Jordan and Saudi Arabia, American Mideast envoy George Mitchell told senior officials that he hopes to return shortly following the general elections in Israel to advance an agreement in the region.

Mitchell left Eretz Yisrael on erev Shabbos and indicated he plans to return in about 6 weeks. One of his last meetings was with Welfare Minister Yitzchak Herzog, who called on Mitchell to drop demands to open the Gaza crossings, which Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has linked to Hamas’ release of Gilad Shalit.

Herzog explained “the demand to open the crossings to serve the humanitarian needs of Gazans serves Hamas’ interests and does not advance the situation.” Herzog added humanitarian aid is permitted into Gaza daily at present, with some 200 trucks entering Gaza daily. Herzog added if required, that number will be increased as well.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)