From: Ismail Zayid

To: Globe & Mail

Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2008 8:37 AM

Subject: It is the occupation.....

Feb. 14, 2008

The Editor,

The Globe & Mail.

Dear Editor:

Michael Bell's article on Gaza, as the Middle East conundrum, Feb. 14, overlooks the fact that the so-called Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, in 2005, is a charade. It merely transformed Gaza into an open prison, with Israel still in complete control of its air, sea and land access to the outside world, and its 1.5 million inhabitants denied all basic elements of life.

If Israel is truly anxious to bring an end to this conundrum, it should terminate completely its illegal occupation, of all Occupied Palestinian Territories. This illegal occupation  has been allowed to stand for over forty years, in defiance of international law and repeated Security Council resolutions.

Sincerely,

Ismail Zayid, MD.