Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak has decided to temporarily ease a blockade on Gaza after international organizations showered Israel with warnings and condemnation. Israel has promised not to allow Gaza to turn into a humanitarian crisis, but that’s exactly what our own Chris Hedges calls it in his latest column.
New York Times:
The Israeli defense minister, Ehud Barak, announced Monday night that he was lifting some of the restrictions imposed on Gaza and that on Tuesday morning he would allow delivery of a week’s supply of industrial diesel for the local power station, as well as 50 trucks of food and medical supplies.
The decision came as aid officials warned that Gaza, gripped by fuel and electricity shortages, was two or three days away from a health and food crisis, and as international alarm and criticism of Israel mounted.
Israeli officials said they made the decision after reviewing the situation in Gaza, which they had insisted they would not allow to become a humanitarian crisis, and after seeing a reduction in rocket fire. They denied that international pressure was a factor.