Egypt began deploying guards along its border with the Gaza Strip on Saturday to replace Israeli troops set to withdraw from the occupied territory. The final stage of Israel’s Gaza pullout, ending a 38-year-old military presence, could begin as early as Sunday, pending an Israeli cabinet vote on the fate of 25 synagogues still standing in 21 demolished Jewish settlements. However, speaking to Israel Radio, Vice Premier Shimon Peres made it clear that there would be no swift return to negotiations on Palestinian statehood. ‘‘If the Palestinians cannot demonstrate that they are capable of controlling Gaza, it will be very difficult to resume the negotiations,’’ he said. —Reuters
