Gaza Closure Hard on Hamas

The Rafah crossing, the Gaza Strip's only opening to the outside world that is not under Israeli control, has been closed for a month. Israel claims opening the crossing will facilitate weapons smuggling into the strip. Meanwhile, thousands of Gazans have been waiting for a few weeks on the Egyptian side of the border, waiting to go back home. Hamas claims that a number have already died of hunger and diseases. Israel has proposed that the refugees return through the Kerem Shalom Crossing which is under Israeli control. 07/08/07