Your Nov. 23 story "Disappointment in Gaza" misleads readers into thinking that, thanks to Israel's disengagement, Gaza is now a free "country" with all the attributes of a sovereign state.

Israel's 38-year colonization may have ended, but its occupation -- the total control of people and resources -- persists. Because of its military and technological edge, Israel continues to control Gaza's air, borders and sea. It had final say in the much-touted reopening of the Rafah crossing. As a bribe for its so-called disengagement, our government gave Israel $2.5 billion in economic aid -- on top of the more than $4 billion it receives annually -- while earmarking a mere $150 million for Palestinians.

Gazans deserve more than redeployment of Israeli tanks or nominal U.S. aid. Only massive international aid coupled with a sustained and more evenhanded U.S. role can begin to compensate for what Israel has systematically destroyed and give the Palestinians of Gaza the chance to rebuild their shattered society. Failing this, the Gaza Strip and the entire region will remain a fertile area for violence and instability.

-- Aref Assaf, Paterson

The writer is president of the American Arab Forum.