IDF tightens restrictions on Gaza entry
Army officials irate at fact that some 1,000 people who had received limited entry permits to Gush Katif have not left area after permits expired; from now on, only residents, or people tasked with assisting settlers to pack belongings to be allowed in
The IDF has decreed that only residents of Gush Katif and those tasked with helping them pack their belongings ahead of the upcoming evacuation will be allowed into the area.
Suppliers of basic goods will also be allowed entrance to the settlements.
The decision comes amid the fact that many of those who had received the entry permits took advantage of them to remain in Gush Katif well after their permits had expired.
According to IDF sources the number of people who have entered Gush Katif with a permit and had not left the area after the authorized three-day period had ended has reached some 1000.
These ‘illegal residents’ are obstructing daily life in Gush Katif and intend to thwart the evacuation, the sources said.
The army is closely following the movements of those entering and exiting Gush Katif through a computer system installed at the checkpoints, which tracks every person who passes through.
The IDF has planned to close the central permit center on Monday in any case, following the closure of the Kisufim checkpoint at midnight, in line with final preparations for the disengagement from Gaza.
The decision by major general Harel to further tighten the permit policy is designed to forestall plans by anti-disengagement protesters to enter Gush Katif over the coming weekend, a development which would hamper attempts by the security forces to carry out the pullout and clearing of the settlements next week.
Two weeks ago, the IDF restricted its entry policy to the Gaza settlements following the failure of many of those with visiting permits to leave Gush Katif. Since then, less passes have been given to guests invited to the Gush, and only close family members have been allowed to visit. The current restrictions represent the tightest army movement controls on those wishing to enter Gaza settlements to date.
