Israel plans to isolate Gaza Strip

ISRAEL will bar workers and goods from the Gaza Strip and impose other harsh economic sanctions after a Hamas-dominated parliament is sworn in this weekend, security officials said yesterday.

In the face of growing international and Israeli pressure to shun Hamas, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas plans to order the group to renounce violence and recognise Israel if it wants to take power, Palestinian officials said.

The Israeli campaign against Hamas is focused on bringing the cash-strapped Palestinian Authority to its knees by drying up desperately needed income. Barring access to Israel would be devastating to the already battered Gaza economy.