24/10/2005 (Agence Europe) - Following a fact-finding visit to the Gaza Strip, a delegation from EMHRN (EuroMed Human Rights Network) reports that while the Israeli withdrawal has liberated 40% of the Territory, that does not actually mean the end of the Israeli occupation. Israel is continuing with its controls and restrictions on freedom of circulation are hampering Palestinians' efforts and weighing on the economy in Gaza. These restrictions are leading to the separation of families living on either side of the border, which depend on good will from the Israelis in order to meet up, explains EMHRN. Quoting the Palestinian Human Rights Centre, EMHRN says that Palestinian civilians are still in a desperate situation requiring the application of international law and an end to the siege of the Palestinian Occupied Territories and an end to the increased building of illegal settlements and the illegal wall. EMHRN adds that civil society's work is being complicated by individuals and organisations being prevented from circulating freely.