Israel urged not to turn Gaza into a prison

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Israel says it will continue to control Palestinian trade and travel from the Gaza Strip even after it removes its troops and settlers from the occupied territory, a process due to begin this weekend.

Palestinians say that Israel's tight restrictions on people and goods entering the fenced-off enclave will turn Gaza into a de facto prison for 1.3 million people, stifle trade and outside investment and create severe poverty.

Lengthy security checks which can last days mean that Palestinian produce can rot before it is brought to market, while exporters of vegetables, fruit and flowers become dependent on Israeli middle men who can dictate low prices.

The relatively free movement of Israeli goods and produce, on the other hand, gives Israeli goods a price advantage over Palestinian competitors in the occupied territories.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/israel-urged-not-to-turn-gaza-into-a-prison/2005/08/09/1123353318238.html