Israel Matzav

Hamas seethes over crossing closure

Hamas is seething over the closure of Israel's crossing points into Gaza in response to rocket fire by the terror organization on Friday. The crossings are closed indefinitely (except for humanitarian emergencies).

Senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouq early Sunday condemned an Israeli decision to close crossings into Gaza, calling it "collective punishment."

"The justifications given by the (Israeli) occupation to shut down crossings are unacceptable," Abu Marzouq said in a statement.

He also criticized the Palestinian Authority for what he called a failure to arrange the entry of goods into Gaza.

"Where does the PA come in regarding this Israeli closure? And where does it come in regarding its responsibilities, especially after PA employees have resumed work at Gaza crossings?"

He said Israel's decision to close the crossings violated international laws and conventions.

Instead of closing the crossings, he said Israel should establish more crossings in order to allow for greater freedom of movement for people and goods in and out of Gaza.

Israeli authorities on Saturday announced that the Erez and Kerem Shalom crossings would be closed until further notice, following reports that a projectile fired from Gaza landed in Israel overnight Friday without causing damage or injuries.

They said exceptions would be made for humanitarian emergencies.

Funny how one doesn't hear the 'Palestinian Authority' protesting too much, isn't it?

Labels: Erez crossing, Gaza, Gaza blockade, Gaza plenty, Hamas, Hamas rockets, Kerem Shalom crossing point

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 2:16 PM