Gaza Strip Casino?

It was announced today that a well known Israeli businessman has been talking with the Palestinian Authority for the possibility of opening a brand new casino directly on the Gaza Strip area that is due to be evacuated by the end of next month.

The settlement is one of 21 Israeli territories that will be released to the Palestinians in August, and Mr. Shmuel Flatto-Sharon, said he is planning to run the casino in partnership with the Palestinian Authority in this northern Gaza area. It will be a 50/50 partnership to create the largest casino and hotel complex in Israel.

Casinos have long been banned in Israel, but are welcomed by the Palestinian Authority. Not long ago, a casino located in the West Bank, used to be filled with hundreds of Israelis night after night until the start of the Palestinian uprising almost 5 years ago. Now Mr. Flatto-Sharon hopes that the new Israeli government may not raise new security issues, as long as Israeli gamblers do not have to enter any part of the Gaza Strip.