JERUSALEM: Israel closed off the West Bank and Gaza for at least a week for the Jewish Passover holiday, a day after Gaza militants attacked a vital crossing, raising the possibility of a large-scale Israeli offensive within weeks.
The closure, which went into effect early Friday, will be in effect until the end of the holiday on April 26, according to a statement from the military. Palestinians are banned from entering Israel, except for humanitarian cases, doctors and lawyers, it said.
"The (military) regards the holiday period as a highly sensitive time, security wise," the statement said. The military "will increase its alertness ... while preserving, to the best of its ability, the daily life of the Palestinian population," it said, while promising to continue transferring vital goods through the Gaza crossings.
But at the time the statement was released late Thursday, two of the main crossings were closed: Kerem Shalom, where Israel transships food and medicine, and the fuel depot at Nahal Oz — because of attacks by Palestinian militants.
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/04/18/africa/ME-GEN-Israel-Palestinians.php
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