May 13, 2003	Tuesday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 10, 1424

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TEL AVIV, May 12: The Israeli army closed off the Gaza Strip before dawn on Monday, only hours after reopening the borders as officials met visiting US Secretary of State Colin Powell on a peace mission.

“Taking into account the security considerations it has been decided to impose a total closure of the Gaza Strip until further notice,” the army announced in a statement.

The measure, in particular, will hit 15,000 Palestinian workers who had received authorization on Sunday to return to work in Israel as Mr Powell pressed for an easing of restrictions on the Palestinians.

“As part of the closure, Palestinian and foreign nationals are banned from entering or leaving the Gaza Strip, except diplomats and humanitarian emergencies,” the statement said.

It is the first time Israel has barred access to the Gaza Strip to foreigners. Israeli military sources said the new travel restriction was linked to the fact that a suicide bombing which killed three people plus the bomber on April 30 was carried out by a British citizen who entered from the Gaza Strip.

Last week the army slapped tough new curbs on foreigners, including journalists and humanitarian workers, operating in the Gaza Strip.—AFP