The United Nations cease-fire observation group has abandoned its headquarters at Qantara on the Israeli-held east bank of the Suez Canal because it came under Egyptian artillery fire almost dally and has established a new control center 30 miles back from the canal, beyond the range of the Egyptian gunners. The UN cease-fire observers have also given up two observation posts along the narrow embankment on the east side of the canal north of Qantara because Egyptian firing had made them virtually untenable.
(A spokesman at the United Nations in New York said today that the Qantara control center had been struck so often by Egyptian fire that it was “uninhabitable.” He said that the control center at Ismailia, on the Egyptian held west bank of the canal, which has been struck by Israeli fire, was also being relocated.)
The UN observers will apparently retain their West Bank posts along the northern end of the canal. These posts are illuminated at night, by Israeli request, so that Israeli gunners replying to Egyptian fire may avoid hitting them.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
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.
