Palestinians accuse Israel of hampering voting in southern Gaza


AFP
 Date: 01-09-05

GAZA CITY (AFP) - The Israeli army delayed Palestinians living in southern Gaza Strip from voting in the presidential election by briefly closing two checkpoints, Palestinian security sources told AFP.

Around 5,000 people live in the al-Mawasi enclave inside the Gush Katif bloc of Jewish settlements, but it was unclear how many were hampered from travelling to polling booths when a checkpoint was shut after voting began at 7:00 am (0500 GMT).

"The Israeli army closed the checkpoint so people can't travel," one source told AFP on Sunday.

Israeli military sources said the roadblock was re-opened within hours.

Soldiers were allowing men through in groups of five, but women and international election observers were still waiting to pass through, witnesses and Palestinian security sources said.

Another checkpoint at Abu Gholi to the north was closed for an hour before being re-opened, Palestinian security sources said.

In response to the closures, acting president Rawhi Fattuh urged Palestinians to flock to the polls.

On Saturday, Palestinians accused Israel of not doing enough to ease restrictions in the occupied territories for the vote.

Source

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