Israel's security cabinet has declared the Gaza Strip an "enemy entity", opening the way for cuts in fuel and other vital supplies to the territory.
Hamas issued a statement in response, saying that the security cabinet's announcement on Wednesday amounted to a "declaration of war".
Sand barriers have been built on some Gaza streets
in anticipation of Israeli raids [Reuters]
The office of Ehud Olmert, Israel's prime minister, said his security cabinet approved the "enemy entity" classification and there would be "limitations on imports to the Gaza Strip and a reduction in the supply of fuel and electricity".
clipped from: english.aljazeera.net 