On air: Is the easing of the Gaza blockade 'cosmetic'?
| 15:00 UK time, Friday, 18 June 2010
The Israeli government has announced it will to allow more civilian products in. The new list reportedly includes all food items, toys, stationery, kitchen utensils, mattresses and towels. Israel will also for projects under international supervision but will maintain its naval blockade and will not make it easier for people to move in and out of Gaza, or allow exports.
Jordan's information minister, Nabil Sharif, calls the move and says Jordan "wants Israel to completely lift this unjust blockade".
points out that Palestinians, the United Nations and aid organisations don't think the measure goes nearly far enough.
Christopher Gunness, , which has responsibility for Palestinian refugees, says:
There is a massive amount of rebuilding to do in Gaza. Four thousand homes were destroyed, another 17,000 damaged during the 2008-09 war. The agency needs to repair its schools and build 100 new schools for 39,000 children. We must talk about lifting the siege and blockade, which is regarded as a violation of international law. You cannot have half a violation of international law.
But Amos and Avi think the and that even
a partial easing of the blockade at an inconvenient time is better than continuing the current flawed policy.
And the Israeli Defense officials as saying that easing the blockade will make it difficult for Israel to pressure Hamas to cease terrorist activities.
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