Netanyahu: Security blockade on Gaza will only get stronger
As Israel unveils steps to ease flow of civilian goods to Gaza, PM vows to tighten security controls to prevent weapons reaching the Hamas-ruled territory.
By Barak Ravid Tags: Israel news Gaza Benjamin NetanyahuSenior cabinet ministers on Sunday approved steps toward easing Israel's land blockade of the Gaza Strip, days after Jerusalem had issued a non-binding declaration supporting such a move.
"There will be no civilian closure of Gaza but there will be a security closure," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after the meeting. "That security closure will be tightened from now on."
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a weekly cabinet meeting. |
| Photo by: Archive |
He added: "We have deprived Hamas of the ability to blame Israel for hurting the civilian population [of Gaza] and our friends around the world are getting behind our decision and giving international legitimacy to the security blockade on Hamas."
Sources inside the prime minister's office expressed satisfaction with the move. "In the wake of this decision, the world's focus will be on the Qassam rockets Hamas is firing out of Gaza and not the coriander that Israel isn't allowing in," one senior aide told Haaretz.
Another official said the policy reversal would have been the right move, even without Israel's raid on Gaza-bound aid flotilla three weeks ago, which left nine activists dead and stepped up pressure on Israel to lift the siege.
"The new policy will prevent absurdities like blocking shipments of pasta to Gaza and will strengthen Israel's international position in enforcing a security closure. It will also strengthenl Israel's moral standing in its demand to free [captured Israeli soldier] Gilad Shalit.
The decision drew praise from the White House and criticism from the Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip, who called it "deception" and said that the blockade must be lifted entirely.
The prime minister's office said that Israel would release "as soon as possible" a detailed list of goods that would not be allowed into the Gaza Strip, which would include all weapons.
"Israel seeks to keep out of Gaza weapons and material that Hamas uses to prepare and carry out terror and rocket attacks toward Israel and its civilians," Netanyahu said. "All other goods will be allowed into Gaza."
Israel's new policy will allow an inflow of construction material into the Gaza Strip for projects approved by the Palestinian Authority or under the auspices of international supervision, including schools, health facilities, water treatment and sanitation, the statement said.
Israel also said it would keep the right to ban "dual-use" construction materials that could be used by Hamas to manufacture weapons and to rebuild its military facilities.
The change in policy is also aimed at improving economic activity in the coastal territory, said the PMO. The new policy was also to allow humanitarian aid to be brought into Gaza in a more effective way and to ease movement in and out of the coastal territory, said the PMO.
Israel would consider further easing its siege as the situation on the ground improved, said the PMO. It would also continue to inspect every item brought to the Ashdod Port bound for the Gaza Strip.
The PMO emphasized in its statement that its defense regime along the Gaza border would remain in place and that Israel still sees Hamas as a terrorist organization.
The Prime Minister's Office announced late last week, after two days of extensive deliberations, that the security cabinet had agreed in principle to relax Israel's three-year blockade on the Gaza Strip.
The ministers decided after their marathon talks on Wednesday and Thursday to "liberalize" Israel's policy regarding the entry of goods into the Hamas ruled territory, which was set in place after the Islamist movement violently seized control over the Gaza Strip in 2007.
The aim of the discussions was to approve a plan drafted by Netanyahu in coordination with the United Nations' Middle East envoy Tony Blair.
Over the course of the six-hour meetings last week, ministers voiced their opinions regarding the blockade and the defense establishment presented the plans for the "liberalization" of the blockade. However, upon concluding the discussions, the ministers did not vote on any binding practical draft of the decision.
Prior to the vote on Sunday, the government was bound by a policy regarding the blockade decided by the security cabinet under former prime minister Ehud Olmert.
Israel had "every intention to increase the transfer of goods into Gaza even before the cabinet meeting," a senior defense official said last week, indicating a change in the government's policy even before a binding decision.
"We have notified the Palestinians, regardless of the cabinet meeting, that we will allow the entry of food items, house wares, writing implements, mattresses and toys. Beyond that, we have not said a thing," the official said.
Israeli decision yields calls to lift blockade entirely
Israeli Arab MK Ahmed Tibi said Sunday that the security cabinet's decision to ease the blockade was not enough, calling on the government to lift its siege entirely.
He added that Israel's decision, in the wake of criticism over its raid of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, proved that the government understands "only international pressure",
Hamas minister Ziad al-Zaza characterized Israel's decision as "deception", and said that the blockade must be lifted completely to allow Gaza to import all necessary materials, particularly cement, iron, raw materials for industry and agriculture, as well as import and export between Gaza and the world.
Chris Gunness, spokesman for UNRWA, the U.N. agency that aids Palestinian refugees, agreed. "We need deeds on the ground, not words," he told The Associated Press. "We have to see the blockade lifted, because the blockade is illegal."
The White House welcomed the decision and called on all parties "to act responsibly in meeting the needs of the people of Gaza".
"Once implemented, we believe these arrangements should significantly improve conditions for Palestinians in Gaza, while preventing the entry of weapons," the White House said in a statement.
"We will work with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, the Quartet, and other international partners to ensure these arrangements are implemented as quickly and effectively as possible and to explore additional ways to improve the situation in Gaza, including greater freedom of movement and commerce between Gaza and the West Bank."
The White House added that President Barack Obama would discuss the new policy and further steps during his meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington on July 6.
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The position of UN representative is open. Jerusalem Post readers want Caro;ine Glick. I think Gideon Levy should represent Israel and he would make the diaspora proud.
No wonder Hamas is nervous.
"We have notified the Palestinians, regardless of the cabinet meeting, that we will allow the entry of food items, house wares, writing implements, mattresses and toys.." Definitive proof Israel has rejoined the league of civilized countries. The international community should acknowledge same.
"We have notified the Palestinians, regardless of the cabinet meeting, that we will allow the entry of food items, house wares, writing implements, mattresses and toys.." Definitive proof Israel has rejoined the league of civilized countries. The international community should acknowledge same.
It might be an idea cease the blockade then let them arm another war will start inevitably and then take back Gaza.
...Let's see if Hamas follows.
Easing the seige does not help the pocket or their political aspirations, and no matter what Israel will do- any good at all- their idealogy will always require them to denounce it for some reason or another.
What is a "weapon"? Does it include "psychological war"?
as a regular critic of israeli political moves, im delighted to hear that israel has taken a positive move to make life easier for the people locked inside gaza, its rare i make a positive comment on israeli policy, today for the first time in a long time, i say well done israel, more positive steps will follow i hope
"Israel unveils steps to ease Gaza blockade, remains firm on weapons ban" You mean Israel gave Palestinians the option of getting foodstuff and toys in and they said no, just give us bombs????? Ridiculous!
Tough luck; NO GONNA HAPPEN
Now they're organizing the blocus. That's the kind fo things you do when things become long-term. It was meant as a pressure on Hamas. Now it's just a closed border between enemies, as in Korea. Let's hope this one lasts less long.
Was about time.Improving Gaza's economic situation will help stengthen the moderaes and isolate the extremists.
When will the Pals make concessions? How about releasing Shalit as a symbol of good faith or maybe putting Israel on the maps in their kids schoolbooks.
israel did no favour in easing the blockade... it was forced to remove it... yes remove it... the pressure will only mount... israel shot itself in the butt, by overplaying their hand. reap as you sow
Back in 2007 and 2008 I called for a complete shutoff. Egypt should handle Gaza we have no responsibility for Gaza we are not occupying Gaza. Gaza is more of a threat if Fatah is in control because then they will want a land corridor. Why wait 2 years I say immediately cut off Gaza from everything from the Israeli side let them get their stuff from Egypt and the sea. What Israelis doing now is appeasement. http://ralphsrant1.blogspot.com/2008_06_01_archive.html
The last four years of pressure had failed because of the lack of blockade. The tunnels never stopped operating while Israel has delivered millions of tons of goodies, supplies to good laden Gaza. It is reported one can buy jeans, iphones, macbooks, steaks, exotic fruits guns, in Gaza and that there is no humanitarian need there and these are Hamas terrorist propaganda as usual. This can easily be proven and images that come out of Gaza (Hamas showing the blockade has failed) that shows that Gaza is rich and fat.
This is just a PR stunt
The blockade was punitive and in violation of international law. Did the papers show the list of items not allowed in Gaza and how many trucks go through for a population of 1.5 million people? No. Many right wing supporters ignore the way Israel has behaved horribly towards the people of Gaza. I understand that they elected Hamas and people use that to blame Gazans, but international needs to be followed and Israel is worse than Hamas when it comes to killing folks.
Hamas did a much better job when they took power. Killing scores of Fatah people, throwing them off of roof tops etc. Don't forget that Israel suffered 10.000 Rockets from Gaza before they initiated Cast Lead, and there is still a constant flow of goods going into Gaza, with the blockade. Israel isn't all that bad man
I'm sorry sir but you are definately wrong if you assert the blockade is a violation of international law. It is well within international law to blockade sea lanes when they are used to arm criminals, terrorists or a group that seeks the overthrow of the blockading country. That is a solid fact not an opinion.
Why is ISrael treating gazans horribly.....think about it it will cpome to you. Oh yeah, Israel pulled out of gaza as a means to gain peace. Hamas took gaza through violence and now runs teh gity. hamas launched 10,000 rockets at israel , sent suicide bombers, killers and kidnappers. That is why there is a bloade of goods and for no other reason. It does not take genius to see teh cause anfd effect. Open your eyes basil
Wait till Hamas gets weapons then you will see who is worse. Also don't forget how many Fatah people Hamas killed when they took over and after the war. The Muslims kill their coreligionists almost every day in Afghanistan, somalia and Irag
Obama extorted concessions from Israel in retur for UNSC vote re gazilla incident. Israel needs to know the Obama agenda which Bibi is hiding. By not revealing this continuing blackmail he contributes to Obamas stay in the white house.
Yeah, guess again who is doing the real blackmailing, ignorant fool!
furthermore, there is little doubt that obama knew who would be on the ship. the whole thing was a trap, from beginning to end. even netanyahu underestimates the craven dishonesty he is faced with.
Even if injectes Blair's name for credibility.
had told Israel on Thursday that not enough had been done vis a vis lifting the blockade on Gaza. In fact isn't Germany demanding the lifting of the maritime blockade as well?
Israel needs to stop its blockade in order to live in peace without those Mickey Mouse Firework called "Rockets”. What does israel expect from Starving the People of Gaza? Israeli leaders are Obsessive-neurotic-paranoid with delusions of grandeur
Jewish Proverb
That goes both ways, how about you telling the pals to change their own philosophy of hatred and destruction of Isreal???
it means you, Mr Moron can repeat the same rubbish, "Starving", " Mickey Mouse Rockets" and "Obsessive -neurotic-paranoid with delusions of grandeur" day after day and be guaranteed that no matter how off the mark it is, it will still be printed. This post? Not a chance.
Yes, they are called "Rockets" and more than 6000 were shot into Israel since the withdrawal from Gaza in 2006. The Palestinian step towards peace after the withdrawal was rockets! Has it ever occurred to you that the Gazan "leadership" doesn't want peace?
Those " Mickey Mouse Fireworks" have killed and badly injured dozens of Israeli civilians inside Israel - a true expression of Hamas friendship (and yours).
"Israel" and Hamas used the siege as a pretext for their goals, Hamas wants international recognition, and "Israel "wants to divert attention from what is happening in Jerusalem, and this is the most important
Salma - the usage of quotation marks around the word Israel is rather silly, don't you think? There was another Muslim poster on the chat boards who used to write "this so-called-Israel". Really we don't need your approval to exist or call ourselves whatever you want. As to what is happening in Jerusalem - are you alluding to the laughable claim that the Israelis are trying to destroy Al Aqsa? Why didn't we do it until now if that was our intention?
Enough is enough!
So when is enough enough??? When hamas has had it murderous dream of driving all Isrealis into the sea or when they stop their terror attacks??
There does not existn ijnh fact or on paper any so called international community. It is an abstarct thing. It does not live breathe por pay tax. therefore it is only the opinion of some countries and not all.
Israel is looking to appease world opinion by ‘relaxing’ the siege on Gaza by painting the blockade as a “New and Improved Enlightened Blockade”. This means that Israel will allow a few more items (like children’s toys and musical instruments which are currently banned) into Gaza while still maintaining total control over the freedom of the imprisoned people of Gaza.
Hamas controls teh release of all goods being shipped to gaza. Once HSalit comes home, gazans can live better. Or until the throw these hamas thugs out. West bank seems to be prospering how come gaza is not... oh yeah hamas is why
We have notified the Palestinians, that we will allow the entry of food items, house wares, writing implements, mattresses and toys. Beyond that, we have not said a thing." Exponential Nonsense !! Look how these extremists play with the whole world opinion !!
How many qualifiers can you put into one sentence? Israel has become expert at the process of spinning its wheels. Making it look like there are all sorts of changes going on but in reality nothing changes. This has been Israels strategy in the peace process for decades. It can apply where ever international pressure is felt.
Two things happened recently that are out of character: 1. Israel lifting the siege after stating that it will continue because it is essential for security, and 2. The US cooperating with Israel in establishing a "commission of inquiry" by Israelis alone (with 2 foreign observers), after publicly supporting an international commission. My suspicion is that these two happenings are related, a "deal". Obama was for lifting the siege even before the flotilla incident, for humanitarian reasons. Israel saw the light late, but got something for its consent.
"The United States understands that after Israel withdraws from Gaza and/or parts of the West Bank, and pending agreements on other arrangements, existing arrangements regarding control of airspace, territorial waters, and land passages of the West Bank and Gaza will continue." - Letter of G.W. Bush to A. Sharon (April 14, 2004) haaretz.com/news/ariel-sharon-and-george-w-bush-s-letters-in-full-1.277418 This quote shows that Israel continued to occupy Gaza territorial waters (and did not allow any foreign ship to reach Gaza) even before Hamas took over Gaza in 2007. So this is a matter of continued occupation, not "armed conflict". Why invoke "armed conflict" instead of a straight occupation to justify the naval blockade? Because occupation alone would not allow stopping ships in international waters, which the IDF claimed (before the Turkish flotilla incident) might give too little time to effect seizure of the ships. Sorry, but this is not a good enough reason to violate international conventions.
the bush letter shows clearly that occupation ended. the israeli control of sea and airspace were a continuation of "existing agreements" between israel and the pa pending future agreements, i..e., a peace accord. furthermore, neither a sea blockade, nor a siege, have anything to do with "occupation," a totally different legal regime and concept.
that needs clear answers!!
Of course they're loostening the blockade. They take oders from their masters who supply them with their welfare checks.... the US.
It's a big mistake to make an unilateral move like that....israel should have demanded at the minimum they release Shalit...There was NEVER a blockade as long as Israel was supplying them with WATER AND EMERGY,,,THE WHOLE NOISE FROM THE LEFTWING /MOSLEM BROWNOSERS IS JUST A SLEAZY SCARE TACTICS...
Thinking cap...ever tried one
Israel is quite adept at talking and never implementing changes. They really need to understand that it won't work this time. The pressure on them will not decrease. They need to act now.
The pals do not want peace with Isreal, if you dont believe me just read their psychotic charters
I've read too many statements claimed to be the truth to have any clue anymore. What goods did Israel let through the blockade? What will be the differense now? Is the list of permitted goods official and if so, can the list be found at Internet? Hope someone can enlighten me. Thanks in advance :)
no dear. it is top secret of israeli interest.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8654337.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/05_05_10_gazaimports.pdf
Disastrous is that the restriction of goods affect development and employment of people and this is intended to get ride of hamas by its own people (totally wrong). More important is being under israel disposition to let goods in or no without any reason - Just a love for torturing people!
The PMO said that the reason for the delay is "the need for continued contact with allies within the international community in order to gain support for the liberalization plan." Are they joking? Most, if not all, countries are demanding it.
Yes, I believe Gaza should have these items... BUT who is paying to transport them ? ISRAEL ? Gaza should definately NOT be allowed to have WEAPONS .. NOT NOT LIFT the NAVY BLOCKADE
are u fool, israel pays. they can kill you for one dollars. the EU pays all the bill and the israeli charges for the transportation even and the EU pays the salaries of soldiers on boreder. ISRALE PAYS????
welcomed thursdays announcment " ? i thought the international community said "lift the blockade" . of course obama would "welcome" easing the seige
welcomed thursdays announcment " ? i thought the international community said "lift the blockade" . of course obama would "welcome" easing the seige
welcomed thursdays announcment " ? i thought the international community said "lift the blockade" . of course obama would "welcome" easing the seige
welcomed thursdays announcment " ? i thought the international community said "lift the blockade" . of course obama would "welcome" easing the seige