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Source: http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=30570
Israel: Hamas Prevented Improvement of Living Conditions in Gaza
[ Maan News-PA] Hamas prevented the improvement of living conditions in Gaza after the Israeli disengagement, Col. Nir Press, head of the IDF Liaison and Coordination office in Gaza, told journalists in eastern Jerusalem on Monday. "During the first year after disengagement, 44 million flowers and 13 tons of strawberries were exported from Gaza to Europe," Press said. After the Hamas takeover of Gaza, the situation deteriorated rapidly. "What made things even worse was that crossing points were attacked and targeted with mortar shells and Kassam rockets, given that the crossings were meant to serve Palestinian citizens," he added. "We continued with liaison in order to ship basic materials and medicines because we see the residents of Gaza more as neighbors than as enemies." "The Palestinians must decide - strawberries or Kassams, flowers or mortars."