Jerusalem, May 12: Israel re-imposed a total closure of the Gaza Strip citing unspecified security considerations today, less than 24 hours after it relaxed restrictions on Palestinians as a goodwill gesture ahead of US Secretary of State Colin Powell's visit. "Taking into account the security considerations it has been decided to impose a total closure of the Gaza Strip until further notice," the army announced in a statement.
The Israeli military barred Palestinians and all foreigners except diplomats from leaving and entering the coastal strip, a media report said today. The closure will not affect merchandise delivery and fishing will be allowed in several locations along the Gaza Strip coast.
The move came just hours after Powell urged both Israel and the Palestinians to act immediately and take practical steps on the ground towards ending the Mideast conflict. Meanwhile, Israel and Palestinians have secretly resumed talks on security coordination, said the report. Bureau Report