Israel says easing Gaza land blockade

[maddezmom]

Source: Reuters

(Reuters) - Israel's security cabinet decided on Thursday to ease a Gaza land blockade following an international outcry over a deadly raid on an aid flotilla.

"It was agreed to liberalize the system by which civilian goods enter Gaza (and) expand the inflow of materials for civilian projects that are under international supervision," an official statement said, without specifying any product list.

The announcement appeared to indicate that Israel would allow international organizations, such as the United Nations, to import previously banned building materials, vital to reconstruction after the December 2008-January 2009 Gaza war.

The security cabinet, which began its discussions on Wednesday on easing the embargo, noted that "existing security procedures to prevent the inflow of weapons and war materiel" would continue.

The announcement made no mention of any lifting of Israel's sea blockade of the enclave, run by Hamas Islamists


Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65G10H20100617

[Tripmann]

1. At least some good may come of the execution of those aid workers.

[Violet_Crumble]

2. So they're sticking with a list of what's allowed in rather than a list of what's not...

Anyway, let's look on the bright side. Isn't it great to know that finally food items, toys, stationery, kitchen utensils, mattresses and towels have been made so they're no longer Toys And Towels Of Terror! ;)

When it comes to the Israeli govt, talking the talk is one thing, but seeing it turn into reality is quite another...

[McCamy Taylor]

3. If true, this is welcome news. And it shows what international pressure can do.

[happygoluckytoyou]

4. F'ING A... the Zionists have allowed people to eat.... what ever happened to NEVER AGAIN!!

[proteus_lives]

9. "what ever happened to NEVER AGAIN!!"

That's kind of the whole point of trying to prevent attacks from Gaza.

[fascisthunter]

10. no kidding

[dyingnumbers]

5. Newspeak Alert

It was agreed to liberalize the system...

What does "liberalize" really mean, if it isn't a buzzword?

It's a token gesture, simply put; in fact, it's patronizing.

[abubalboola]

6. next steps after re-evaluation

Re-evaluation of incoming goods would help relieving the pressure off the people in Gaza.
Supplies should be provided directly to the citizen, and not via the Hamas.
security of Israel is a consideration and for that need supervision by Egypt on their side and a third-party observer at the Israeli side.

There is a way to go from here. Helping the people in Gaza improves the humanitarian problem but does not solve any political problem.

[classysassy]

7. Feed the oppressed solid food

but they can't have desert. ( Freedom is the desert they are denied)

[Nihil]

11. Oh, I think they've got quite a bit of desert ...

(Sorry - couldn't resist! :hide: )

[Scurrilous]

8. PMO announces plan to ease Gaza siege, but no such decision made

Prime Minister's office issues two statements, one in English announcing plan to ease blockade, and one in Hebrew devoid of binding decision.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/pmo-announces-plan-to-ease-gaza-siege-but-no-such-decision-made-1.296809

<snip>

"The Prime Minister's Office announced on Thursday that the security cabinet had agreed to relax Israel's blockade on the Gaza Strip, but as it turns out, no binding decision was ever made during the cabinet meeting.

The Prime Minister's Office issued a press release in English following the meeting, which was also sent to foreign diplomats, was substantially different than the Hebrew announcement – according to the English text, a decision was made to ease the blockade, but in the Hebrew text there was no mention of any such decision.

It is not clear whether this discrepancy was a deliberate attempt to buy time in the face of international pressure, or a clerical omission on behalf of the Prime Minister's Office."

<snip>

"Two official statements came out of the Prime Minister's Office in regard to the security cabinet meeting – one in Hebrew for the Israeli media and another in English for the foreign media and foreign diplomats. The English version said that "It was agreed to liberalize the system by which civilian goods enter Gaza expand the inflow of materials for civilian projects that are under international supervision." The Hebrew version addressed mainly remarks made by Netanyahu, but failed to mention any decision or agreement.

The Hebrew version also failed to mention whether the prime minister's position was formally approved. "Israel will alter the system in order to allow more civilian goods into Gaza," the Hebrew statement read.

In addition to the English statement, word was sent to foreign consulates and embassies indicating that the decision made by the security cabinet will be implemented immediately. However, according to the officials charged with the actual monitoring of the transfer of goods into Gaza, they have not been notified of any change in policy as a result of the cabinet meeting."