Quartet envoy Wolfensohn: Next 72 hours critical for mission

[Englander]

By Akiva Eldar, Haaretz Correspondent

Quartet Special Envoy for Disengagement James Wolfensohn, voicing frustration over the lack of change in the atmosphere between Israel and the Palestinians, said Sunday that the next 72 hours would be critical for the continuation of his mission, and warned of the danger that the Gaza Strip could turn to a giant prison.

Wolfenson said he was close to a decision to return home.

Wolfensohn, who is scheduled to meet Sunday afternoon with Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz and with Palestinian Civil Affairs Minister Mohammed Dahlan, said that he will convey his worries to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice shortly after she arrives in Israel on Sunday evening.

Speaking at a meeting with managers of the Karni Crossing cargo terminal in the Gaza Strip, Wolfensohn warned that Israel would suffer permanent damage if agricultural produce from the Gaza Strip, including hothouses in Gush Katif, rots due to Israeli restrictions on the passage of trucks through the Karni Crossing.

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