European Union Foreign Minister Javier Solana on Friday made an official visit to Hamas-controlled Gaza, making the first official visit of a senior EU official to Gaza since Hamas came to power.

The EU official was taken to areas to see the damage from Israeli bombings in Operation Cast Lead as the Hamas regime continues efforts to enlist the support of the international community to fund the rebuilding of Gaza while working to compel sanctions against Israel.

From Gaza, Solana visited Ramallah, were he met with PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) to discuss issues pertaining current affairs, including efforts to end the split between Fatah and Hamas and to advance diplomatic efforts between the PA and Israel.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)