News from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America June 6, 1996 Title: CLOSURE OF GAZA CAUSES SUFFERING FOR CIVILIANS The military closure of the Gaza Strip by Israel denies movement of people and goods, causing hardship for the Palestinian residents, according to Action by Churches Together (ACT). The majority of workers cannot travel to jobs in Israel. The action prevents people from providing the necessities of life for families and damages Gaza#s economic base. Fishing is restricted, and Gazan students cannot travel to schools and universities in the West Bank. ACT is raising funds to provide basic health needs, welfare relief and education grants in support of the most critical needs of poor families. ACT is a worldwide network of churches, including the Lutheran World Federation, meeting human need through coordinated emergency response. Although Israel claims to have eased the closure recently, ACT's partner, the Middle East Council of Churches# Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees, reports worsening conditions for the 934,000 people living in the 360 square-kilometer area governed by the Palestinian National Authority. Shortages of basic commodities are reported. Shipments of flowers and fruits for export have been left rotting at check points. Restrictions on the flow of goods, including raw materials for construction, are severe, according to ACT. Taxes and duties which help to operate the Palestinian Authority have dropped dramatically. In an economy which before closure had an unemployment rate of 60 percent, the closures have added more jobless to the rolls. Health care is jeopardized because most Gazan patients must travel outside for specialist treatment. Since closure, authorities have withheld permission from Palestinians trying to visit relatives in prison inside Israel. The Lutheran World Federation is a worldwide communion of 122 member churches, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church is America. [ELCA News and Information: 8765 W. Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631; phone 312/380-2963]