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Last update - 08:57 18/04/2008 Israel closes off West Bank and Gaza for duration of Passover By Haaretz Service and News Agencies Tags: Israel, Passover, West Bank  Israel has imposed a complete closure on the West Bank and Gaza for at least a week, the duration of the Passover holiday. 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 Israel Defense Forces. The move comes a day after Gaza militants attacked a vital crossing, raising the possibility of a large-scale IDF offensive within weeks. Advertisement The state usually imposes closures on the territories during the holidays, which are considered a sensitive security time. Palestinians are banned from entering Israel, except for humanitarian cases, doctors and lawyers, the army statement 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. The IDF promised, despite the closure of Gaza and the West Bank, to continue transferring vital goods through Gaza crossings. But at the time the army 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. Related articles: IDF troops kill Al-Aqsa militant in raid on West Bank refugee camp IDF troops do nothing as Hebron settlers threaten German MPs Bookmark to del.icio.us   A gentleman's word Olmert tells Haaretz he knows Iran won't have nuclear capacity. Farewell to arms B'Tselem says IDF must ban wide-range shell that killed civilians in Gaza.   1.   Ghettos 10:21  |  Clickfool 18/04/08   2.   # 1 Clicky ...I read this morning about Bristol 14:51  |  Lynn 18/04/08   3.   In light of the Passover massacre of 2002... 15:41  |  Gloria Stein 18/04/08   4.   So what, Clickfool? 15:59  |  Linichka 18/04/08   5.   Communal Meals, Bombs and Missiles 15:59  |  Tex 18/04/08   6.   It seems that the meaning of Passover is..... 16:06  |  Deborah 18/04/08   7.   For Lynn # 2 17:04  |  Clickfool 18/04/08   8.   If anyone cared about Shemot, they would know.... 17:25  |  J 18/04/08   9.   What`s the Meaning of Passover, Debby? 19:35  |  Tex 18/04/08   10.   Deborah have you decided? stubborn or stupid? 21:28  |  x-ray 18/04/08   11.   they ruin every moment apart from our holidays! 00:16  |  Akiva P 19/04/08   12.   News??? 02:25  |  Axel 19/04/08   13.   Clickfool #1, why would a PA state EVER have access to Israel? 03:04  |  Dr. L. Brnd 19/04/08

Read & React Editorial: Israel can't demolish all of Gaza Responses: 131 Yishai to Carter: Tell Meshal that I want to discuss prisoner swap Responses: 40 IDF troops do nothing as Hebron settlers threaten German MPs Responses: 157 Rice: Syria 'most certainly an issue in nuclear proliferation' Responses: 63 IDF kills top militant wanted in plot to poison Ramat Gan restaurant Responses: 36 Rosner's Domain The Passover test and The Passion of Passover Just say no to Carter Poll: What is Carter doing in the Middle East? Let the debate begin: what's a "pro-Israeli" position? Clinton: Massive retaliation if Israel attacked (WTR) More Headlines 23:35 Qassam hits power lines in Sderot causing blackout 20:20 Israel: PA can reopen 20 police stations in West Bank 01:03 Carter meets Hamas leader, Syrian President in Damascus 02:46 Egypt: 'Good progress' made in Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks 19:38 Boim: 'Natural growth' reason for 100 new settlement homes 22:56 IDF: Reuters reporter risked his life by going to Bi'lin 23:25 Muslim preacher sentenced in Britain for supporting terrorism 21:06 Iranian official: Asian traders make up for German sanctions 19:55 Hamas: Shalit won't 'see light' until Palestinian prisoners freed 20:05 The Israeli 'settler' serving in Italy's parliament 20:22 IDF kills militant leader wanted in plot to poison Ramat Gan restaurant 18:48 IDF troops do nothing as Hebron settlers threaten German MPs Previous Editions Select Day 18 apr 17 apr 16 apr 15 apr 14 apr 13 apr 11 apr 10 apr 09 apr 08 apr 07 apr 06 apr

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