Ramallah, 06-01-06: Independent Palestine head, Mustafa Barghouthi, today criticised Israel’s refusal to allow him to travel to the Gaza Strip as part of the coalition’s Legislative election campaign.
Despite the so-called ‘disengagement’ from the Gaza Strip in August 2005, Palestinians still require Israeli permission to enter Gaza as Israel retains control over entry and exit points to the Strip.
While Dr. Barghouthi’s application has yet to be granted, some other election candidates have secured permission to enter the Strip, amounting to discrimination on Israel’s part in terms of which candidates are allowed to campaign in Gaza and to meet with fellow Gazan candidates.
In wider terms, this represents Israeli interference in the Legislative elections process.
Dr. Barghouthi called for parity in Israel’s policy towards the granting of permission to enter Gaza.
He also called on the international community, particularly the EU Observer Mission, to ensure that free and fair elections are allowed to take place, in which freedom of movement is a critical factor.
Dr. Barghouthi reasserted that he will make every effort to enter Gaza despite the rejection.