Israel Accused of Not Living Up to Promise to Ease Gaza Blockade

A new report issued by international aid organizations working in the Gaza Strip charges that Israel has not lived up to its promise to ease the blockade and allow more goods to enter. The report says the economy is “crippled” because of Israel’s actions. The boycott was placed on all but humanitarian goods when Hamas seized control of the area in 2007. Under intense international pressure, Israeli officials said in June that the boycott would be eased, meaning that additional goods and greater quantities would be allowed to enter. Israel also contends that there is no humanitarian crisis and that with the exception of building materials that could be used by Hamas for military purposes, most goods are available to Gazans. The U.K.-based aid organization Oxfam claims Gazans still lack access to clean water, electricity and jobs.