Citing new security threats, Israel abruptly closed off Gaza on Monday, reversing its pledge to ease restrictions on Palestinian movement and employment in Israel. The Bush administration had sought those gestures to bolster the chances for peace negotiations. The announcement surprised Secretary of State Colin Powell, who arrived Monday night in Jordan as part of a trip to the Middle East intended largely to revive Israeli-Palestinian talks. A senior State Department official traveling with Powell said, ”We don’t know enough about the Gaza situation to make a judgment.” The official conceded that the closure ”is not one of those steps (that Powell has pressed Israel to make), that’s for sure.” Full Story
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