A press conference held today by the Independent Palestine coalition as part of its first trip to Gaza during the election campaign, addressed key issues facing the Gaza Strip, including poverty, unemployment, and internal disorder.

A campaign tour by the Independent Palestine coalition in Hebron’s Old City was brought to a forcible close today when Israeli soldiers refused to allow Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi, head of the coalition, other Independent Palestine candidates, council members, and supporters from entering part of the Old City adjacent to the Ibrahimi mosque.