Israel lifts blockade

Israel has lost many friends in the past few weeks. It has managed to finish whatever was left of some estranged relations and has become a villain for Europe and the west. Its raid on the aid ships to Gaza which resulted in the death of many civilians will not be forgotten easily. The United Nation’s has even begun a probe on this whole incident. This incident occurred on 31^st of May grappled down on an aid ship carrying normal day to day commodities and assaulted the occupants of the boat, killing at least ten people. It was a gruesome act as pictures of the ship showed bodies of the activists sprawled on the floor swimming in their own blood. Hundreds other activists have been deported to prisons in Israel. The international outcry that followed the incident was enormous. There were protests all over Middle East, governments of the world condemned this act. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanhayu had to cancel his scheduled visit to Washington where he was to meet President Obama.

Israel had to soften its stand somewhat after the continued pressure. On the 17^th of July Israel announced to reduce its land blockage on the Gaza area. Experts say that this is an attempt by Israel to appease the international community.” It was agreed to liberalize the system by which civilian goods enter Gaza and expand the inflow of materials for civilian projects that are under international supervision” was the statement given by the Israeli government.  Israel has a total control over both the land route and the sea route that leads to Gaza. The embargo has had a crippling effect on the region as it constantly faces a paucity of food and other essential commodities. The blockade has been in place for three years now and many countries including well known allies of Israel have called for its removal. With the easing of the blockade goods like food items, toys, stationary, kitchen utensils, mattresses and towels among other items. Sal however, will still have a vice like grip over the sea route. Israel feared that if too much cement was sent into the Hamas ruled area the Hamas could use it to build military infrastructure. The exact procedural modalities of the blockade removal haven’t been discussed so far and would be revealed b the government in a few days. The government however maintained that it would do all it could to prevent the inflow of any kind of war material. Hamas has had the control over the Gaza strip after it ousted the Palestinian Authority.  Hamas spokesperson has said that this was juast a feeble attempt to deflect international attention as the list of goods that will be allowed now are non essential.

This blockade has meant persisting shortage of resources, aid not being able to reach in time and a hos of other problems. Let’s wait and watch now to see how everything unfolds.