Israel faces barrage of global criticism for Gaza blockade

As Palestinian protests continue against the Israeli blockade of the Gaza territory, international condemnation has increased in volume demanding that Israel relax the border access restrictions to avert a looming humanitarian crisis for the Palestinian people.

Israel has ceded to the demands and has declared that they will reopen Gaza’s borders following a barrage of international criticism following the imposition of the blockade after rocket attacks into Israeli territory by Gaza-based Hamas militants.

The reopening of Gaza’s borders will only last for a single day in order to allow the passing of fuel, food and medical supplies into the territory.

John Ging, head of UNWRA, has said that he welcomes the easing of the restrictions on Gaza’s border crossings, declaring that collective punishment for the actions of a few militants was wholly unjust.

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UNITED NATIONS (AFP)--The UN Security council resumed bargaining Wednesday to try to agree a compromise statement that would press for an end to the Israeli lockdown of the Gaza Strip as well as to rocket firing into the Jewish state.

Experts of the 15-member body met behind closed doors to amend a Libyan draft statement that calls on Israel to end its siege of Gaza and ensure "unhindered access for humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people" but makes no mention of the rocket attacks that triggered the blockade.

The Libyan draft also urges Israel "to abide by its obligation under international law, including humanitarian and human rights law, and immediately to cease all its illegal measures and practices against the Palestinian civilian population in the Gaza Strip."

Several diplomats were non-committal as to the chances of agreement on a revised text that would then be submitted to council ambassadors for approval later Wednesday.

NASDAQ