He suggested the more immediate reason for the unrest was less long-time grievances related to the Palestinian national cause and more Gaza's economic misery. "The protests are about money," said the Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the topic's sensitivity. FRAGILE CEASEFIREA recent International Monetary Fund report said that for any stable long-term economic recovery in Gaza, "lifting of the blockade and easing of the Israeli-imposed restrictions are essential". With an official unemployment rate in Gaza of over 46%, Hamas itself has faced rumbling discontent over its economic management although for its part, the movement blames the Israeli blockade for the enclave's economic woes. Last month, Israel imposed a brief blockade on exports from Gaza after inspectors said they uncovered an attempt to smuggle explosives into the West Bank.

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Persons: Gaza's, Al, Bassem Naim, Bilal Al, Najar, Bashir Al, Nidal al, James Mackenzie, Mark Heinrich Our Organizations: Hamas, West Bank, Monetary Fund, Unipal Company, Thomson Locations: Israel, GAZA, Gaza, Al Aqsa, Egypt, Jerusalem, Lod, Gaza's