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Palestinians, Human Rights Groups Call for Full Repeal of Gaza Blockade

HeadlineJun 18, 2010

Palestinians and human rights groups are renewing calls for a complete end to the Israeli siege of the Gaza Strip following Israel’s decision to alter the blockade. On Thursday, Israel began allowing more items into Gaza, including food supplies, toys, mattresses and towels. But Israel will still control the flow of goods and maintain both the sea blockade and the ban on vital building materials. Although Israel has claimed it will now allow all food items into Gaza, Palestinian officials say Israel appears to be maintaining its ban on industrial-size containers that would allow for food production at Gaza factories. Israel has forced the closure of scores of Gaza factories by denying key materials as part of its effort to punish Palestinians for electing Hamas in 2006 elections. The blockade was altered following weeks of international outcry over the deadly Israeli assault on a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza. Echoing many other human rights groups, Amnesty International said, “This announcement makes it clear that Israel is not intending to end its collective punishment of Gaza’s civilian population, but only ease it…Israel must now comply with its obligations as the occupying power under international law and immediately lift the blockade.”

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