While Israel’s army continued to mop up in the Sinai Peninsula and smashed the blockade of the port of Elath by capturing two islands and a mainland stronghold which had dominated the entrance to the Gulf of Akaba, Foreign Minister Golda Meir indicated today that Israel’s reply to the United Nations demand for a cease-fire would depend on Egypt’s attitude.
Replying to a message from UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold requesting that Israel half fighting in the Sinai Peninsula, in accordance with the resolution adopted at the emergency session of the UN General Assembly, Mrs. Meir asked the following five questions:
1. Is there clear and unequivocal agreement on the part of the government of Egypt to a cease-fire? Egyptian troops are continuing to fire and fedayeen attacks continue. In clashes with Israel security forces tonight four fedayeen were killed and two apprehended.
2. Does Egypt still adhere to the position declared and maintained by her over the years that she is in a state of war with Israel?
3. Is Egypt prepared to enter into immediate negotiation with Israel with a view to the establishment of peace between the two countries?
4. Does Egypt agree to cease economic boycott against Israel and lift the blockade of Israel shipping in the Suez Canal?
5. Does Egypt undertake to recall fedayeen gangs under her control in other Arab countries?
It was officially announced that the islands of Tiran and Sanafir, lying in the Strait of Tiran, and the town of Sherm, on the Sinai Peninsula coast opposite the two islands; had been captured after they were softened up by air bombardment. Big guns on the island and on the mainland had blockaded the entrance from the Red Sea to the Gulf of Akaba, at whose head is the Israel port of Elath. Their capture opens Israel’s route to the Indian Ocean and the Far East.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
