Israel offers Pakistan aid after Kashmir quake that killed thousands

[Coastie for Truth]

Israel offers Pakistan aid after Kashmir quake that killed thousands, Haaretz, Octrober 9, 2005

Israel has offered Pakistan assistance in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that struck Pakistan, India and Afghanistan, Israeli officials said Sunday, as the death toll was estimated at more than 30,000.

Allowing Israelis into Pakistan to assist in the rescue efforts would be the latest sign that relations between the two countries are warming.

Israel and Pakistan - the second-largest Muslim country - have no official relations, but the two countries' foreign ministers met last month for the first time.

"We've expressed a desire to help, and we're hopeful that it will be possible to help," said Mark Regev, a Foreign Ministry spokesman.

Israel - which has sent rescue teams to Turkey and Mexico to assist in evacuation efforts after earthquakes struck those countries - sent a message to Pakistan through "official channels" and the United Nations, said a senior government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because Pakistan has yet to respond to the offer.

---Edited for Brevity---

[Trajan]

1. Every positive step is good ...

But will the long held hatreds be placed aside ? ...

As a frequent critic of the current Israeli government and its supporters: I am happy that the humanistic spark shines again through the vicious rhetoric of late .....

Baby steps, I suppose, is better than hatred ....

[stray cat]

2. It would be amazing to have it accepted but it would be great.

I'm glad at least to hear of the offer and hope it is accepted.

[Name removed]

3. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[barb162]

4. Good!