August 10, 2007 (LPAC)--The ongoing blockade of the Gaza Strip is bringing them economic disaster. As a result of the Bush Administration's anti-Hamas policy, both Israel and Egypt have closed the border crossings into and out of the Gaza Strip to all trucks except those carrying only humanitarian aid. The already fragile internal economy of Gaza, which has a considerable agricultural export sector has been virtually brought to a standstill. Already 1.1 million of the 1.6 million Palestinians in Gaza are dependent on foreign aid. This will go to 100% very shortly.

Already two weeks ago the Palestinian Federation of Industries said they have lost 23 million dollars and have been forced to dismiss between 70,000 and 120,000 workers in the private sector.

This is pure collective punishment of the Palestinians for electing Hamas into the government.