Mahmoud Abbas Asks Israel for Permission to Enter Gaza Strip

The Palestinian National Authority has sent a request to Israel to confirm the visit of Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas to the Gaza Strip, Israeli publication Walla! reports, citing sources. According to these sources, on August 18, Palestinian Minister of Civil Affairs Hussein al-Sheikh sent an inquiry letter to the head of Israel's National Security Council, Tzachi Hanegbi. Palestine is asking the Israeli side for permission to enter the Gaza Strip through Israeli territory, instead of using the Rafah crossing at the border with Egypt. This issue will be decided by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Abbas announced his intention to visit the Gaza Strip last week in the Turkish Parliament, stating that he would do so even at the cost of his life.