U.N. warns of dire results if main Gaza crossings stay shut

Source: The News York Time, 10-8-2007
JERUSALEM (al-Quds) - The United Nations on Thursday issued a severe warning that Gaza could face an economic meltdown with "disastrous consequences" unless its main crossings were reopened.
The warning came as the Islamic militant group Hamas, which seized control of Gaza's security in June, appeared to tighten its grip. On Wednesday, it fired Dr. Hazzaa Abed, director of Al Shifa, Gaza's main hospital, and Dr. Jumaa al-Saqqa, the public relations director, both of whom are loyal to the rival Fatah faction. On Thursday morning, Dr. Saqqa, a prominent surgeon, was arrested. Hamas accused the two of "financial, administrative and moral corruption." It also accused Dr. Saqqa of lying after he reported a shortage of medical supplies at the hospital because of the closing of the crossings.
Filippo Grandi, the deputy chief of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, which is responsible for Palestinian refugees, told reporters that "Gaza risks becoming a virtually 100 percent aid dependent, closed down and isolated community within a matter of months or weeks, if the present regime of closure continues."
"Israel" sealed the main commercial crossing, Karni, in June after the takeover of Gaza by Hamas.. Although basic foodstuffs, medicines and other essential supplies have been taken into Gaza through smaller crossings, some Gaza factories have closed because of a lack of raw materials, and no agricultural produce or other exports have been allowed out. All goods passing in and out of Gaza have to pass through "Israel".
The Association of Palestinian Businessmen has indicated that at least 120,000 Gaza private-sector workers could lose their jobs if the situation continues.
The Presidential Guard loyal to Mr. Abbas secured the Palestinian side of Karni before the Hamas takeover. "Israel" will not deal with Hamas and says that it is waiting for the Palestinians to offer a solution for Karni that meets "Israel's" security requirements.
Many analysts say they suspect that Mr. Abbas is in no hurry to find an answer, wanting Hamas to suffer the consequences of its actions.
Before the takeover, Fatah and Hamas were uneasily sharing power in a unity government. Mr. Abbas dismissed that government and has named a caretaker government based in the West Bank. Hamas does not recognize its authority. Salam Fayyad, the prime minister of the caretaker government, asked recently about Karni, said, "We are not there now; Hamas is there."