Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post reported today that Gaza Strip residents will file a lawsuit against former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, blaming him for the blockade of Gaza since 2007. The Israeli newspaper said that the people of Gaza were very happy about Mubarak's trial. The paper said Gazans consider the trial retaliation for Mubarak's participation on the blockade on Gaza. Mubarak closed the Rafah border, preventing many Gazans from seeking medical care in Egypt. Gaza resident Mustafa Abou Warda said Mubarak's orders to close the border led to his mother's death. His mother's cancer was advancing, so Gaza doctors advised her to seek treatment in Egypt. Permanent closure of the border prevented her from doing so. Abou-Warda added that he will join the residents of Gaza in filing lawsuits against Mubarak fore depriving many of them from receiving medical treatment during his term in office, which they say led to the death of many patients. Israel imposed a blockade on the Gaza Strip beginning in 2007. Egypt recently decided to reopen the Rafah crossing in the wake of the January uprising that overthrew Mubarak and his regime earlier this year. The Egyptian decision led to tough Israeli criticism against the Egyptian government.
