U.S. proposes sending international observers to Israel-Gaza crossing

International observers would be deployed at the Karni cargo crossing between Israel and Gaza, according to a plan drafted by the U.S., Palestinian officials said Monday.

Photo: U.S. proposes sending international observers to Israel-Gaza crossing

Karni is the major economic lifeline of Gaza, but has been closed by Israel for long stretches of this year following security alerts and attacks by Palestinian militants, AP reports.

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said the plan, proposed by Maj. Gen. Keith Dayton, the U.S. security coordinator in the West Bank and Gaza, also called for the training of Palestinian security officials and the building of a new terminal at Karni. "It's the most comprehensive plan there is," Erekat said.

The Haaretz daily said 90 international observers would be deployed on the Palestinian side of Karni.

Erekat said the proposal has been approved by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and now awaits Israeli approval.

Israeli government officials had no immediate comment. Haaretz said Israel has agreed to the plan in principle.