U.S., Nine Allies Work on Plan to Stop Gun Smuggling to Gaza

By Christian Wienberg

Feb. 5 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. and nine other countries are working on measures, including the use of warships, to stop the smuggling of weapons to Hamas in Gaza to prevent the conflict with Israel from flaring up again.

Officials held a two-day meeting in Copenhagen to discuss possible solutions, Michael Zilmer-Johns, of Denmark’s foreign ministry, told reporters today in the Danish capital.

Most of the 10 countries agreed that the use of warships in international waters in the region would be necessary, said a senior diplomat, who asked not to be identified. He declined to say which countries opposed military use.

Israel carried out a 22-day offensive against Hamas that the military said was aimed at ending cross-border rocket attacks. At least 1,375 Palestinians died in the conflict, according to the Gaza emergency services department. Thirteen Israelis died, the Israeli army said. The operation ended Jan. 18 with unilateral cease-fires declared by both sides.

The 10 countries, which include Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the U.K., will present “a document of solutions,” next month in London after further talks, Zilmer-Johns said. Israeli observers participated in the meetings, while Egypt, which was invited to send observers, declined to attend, he said.