Israel responded to widespread censure and criticism from allies and opponents alike on Monday by modifying its blockade list of supplies allowed into Gaza, but some involved parties aren’t satisfied by the extent of the overall changes. –KA
BBC:
Under the new measures, materials such as steel, cement, certain fertilisers and chemicals will be allowed in for Palestinian Authority-approved projects that are under the supervision and for the use of the UN or other international agencies.
Aid agencies say building materials are badly needed in Gaza as the blockade has prevented much reconstruction taking place since Israel’s devastating 22-day military offensive, which ended in January 2009.
The blacklist includes so-called “dual-use” items that could be used to manufacture weapons and explosives, such as ball bearings and fireworks.
Meanwhile, exports are not permitted, making it hard for the enclave’s devastated economy to pick up, says the BBC’s Jon Donnison in Gaza.