AMMAN, Jordan, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Jordan welcomed Israel's complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip Monday, ending 38 years of occupation.
Deputy Prime Minister Marwan al-Muashar told reporters, "The Jordanian government welcomes the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as a prelude for further withdrawals in the future."
He stressed the need to give the Palestinians full control over crossings into Gaza and the Palestinian people full freedom to move in the Strip, saying "otherwise Gaza will be transformed into a big prison."
He reiterated his country's position that the Gaza withdrawal should be considered part of the road map for peace, which also stipulates withdrawal from the West Bank.
The Israeli army completed its withdrawal from Gaza at dawn Monday, several weeks after it evacuated Jewish settlers from the strip.
