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Israelis refuse Belgian minister's entry to Gaza Strip

BRUSSELS, May 11 (KUNA) - Israelis have refused Belgian Development Aid Minister Meryame Kitir's entry to the Gaza Strip, Belgian media reported Wednesday.
Ms. Kitir is on a visit to the Palestinian Territories this week and was to have visited Gaza on Wednesday. However, the Israeli authorities have refused to allow her to travel there.
A spokesperson for Ms. Kitir told journalists "They (the Israelis) have said that they don't authorize political visits of any kind to Gaza", Belgian VRT broadcaster reported.
Meryame Kitir had wanted to visit a waste treatment project in Gaza that Belgium is participating in through the United Nations development programme. With a visit to the Gaza Strip now off the agenda Ms. Kitir will instead travel to Bethlehem on the West Bank on Wednesday. (end) nk