The Palestinian Minister of Information, Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi, has indicated that the Israeli army has refused to allow him to enter Jerusalem or the Gaza Strip.
Dr Barghouthi stated that he has been unable to visit either location since the formation of the national unity government in mid-March, 2007.

Of his desire to travel to Jerusalem to meet foreign officials, he noted that three foreign countries had applied on his behalf, only for the request to be denied each time.

Dr. Barghouthi stated that this action reflected the ‘siege policy’ currently implemented by Israel, a siege that, Barghouthi argues, is designed to disrupt the Palestinian National Unity government.