TEL AVIV (Dec. 18)
Leading Gaza merchants, alarmed by the growing incidence of terrorism and sabotage, met yesterday to consider the establishment of a “civil defense” corps to forestall acts of violence. The proposal was to employ 20 guards whom the merchants would pay.
Violence in Gaza has had a serious impact on business. A curfew on the main street which has been a favorite target of grenade throwers has caused hardship to shop owners. But the local municipality has made no effort so far to talk to the Israeli military authorities about lifting the curfew.
