Israel plans for total isolation of Gaza Strip

Palestinian children during recentblack-out in Gaza (MaanImages)

19 September 2007

Bethlehem – Ma'an – Israeli sources on Wednesday stated that the security departments in Israel will submit to the cabinet a series of measures intended to create the complete isolation of the Gaza Strip.

The pretext for the isolation is that Gaza is now considered an enemy of Israel.

Among the proposed measures is to cut-off electricity, water and fuel supplies gradually.

Crossings will be closed to prevent the entry of goods and people into the Gaza Strip. People will only be permitted access to Gaza through Egypt.

High-ranking Israeli military officers presented the proposal to Israeli Minister of Defence, Ehud Barak, and military Chief of Staff, Gabi Ashkenazi, in preparation for discussion during the security cabinet's meeting.

Israeli daily newspaper Maariv reported that Ehud Barak will advise the cabinet that a major ground incursion into the Gaza Strip will be pointless unless tensions with Syria have been contained.

Israeli sources said that Israeli will supply the Gaza Strip with fifty-megawatts of electricity, one third of the usual supply. This electricity is solely meant to enable the functioning of hospitals and other vital services.

Further Reading:

Israel labels Gaza 'enemy entity'