Israel Cabinet votes to ease Gaza trip blockade

Thursday 17 June 10

Israel has announced it will ease the land blockade and allow civilian aid to enter the Palestinian territory.

The moves on Israel’s behave come after growing international pressure following last months the attacks on the civilian flotilla attempting to bring aid to Gaza.

Issrael will allow a number of products to enter Gaza via border crossing points, however the naval blockade will remain in place.

Israel says the blockade - which aims to put pressure on Hamas and secure the release of Sergeant Shalit - prevents war material entering Gaza while allowing the entry of humanitarian aid.

Nine Turkish activists died in the Israeli commando raid on the Gaza-bound flotilla in international waters on 31 May.

It was the ninth attempt since 2008 to break the blockade by sea, but the first that resulted in bloodshed.