Rice: Border-crossings deal 'in sight'
(AP)
Updated: 2005-11-14 20:52

Israel closed Gaza's border with Egypt shortly before the pullout and has restricted the movement of cargo into Israel, the main market for Palestinian goods.

The Palestinians say reopening the crossings is essential to rebuilding Gaza's shattered economy after three decades of Israeli control, especially with the harvest season approaching.

Wolfensohn has brokered months of talks on the issue and had hoped to have a deal in time for Rice's visit.

Earlier Monday, Rice met in Jerusalem with Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom. Going into their private meeting, Rice said she would "have discussions about how to move forward on the joint agenda to try and make the disengagement of Gaza work for all so that we can continue our progress toward two states living said by side."

Shalom added: "She's coming also to try and narrow the gap between Israel and the Palestinians and to help us strengthen our relations with the Arab and Muslim world."