Israel seals off Palestinian territories for Passover holiday

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2007

JERUSALEM (AFP) — The Israeli army overnight sealed off the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip for the duration of the Jewish week-long Passover holiday, a military spokeswoman said on Sunday.

"The closure will be maintained for security reasons during the eight days of the holiday," she said.

Passover, during which Jews celebrate their Biblical escape from Egypt, begins at sunset on Monday and finishes at sunset on April 9.

During the closure, doctors, journalists, lawyers, staff of non-governmental organisations and those in need of humanitarian aid will be allowed to travel to the Palestinian territories, the army said in a statement.

"The IDF (Israel Defence Forces) regards the holiday period as a highly sensitive time, security wise," it said....