Despite the claims that Israel has "eased" the blockade of Gaza, there are still 3,500 products on the banned list. That's the claim made by the Popular Committee against the Siege, a Gaza-based civil organisation which also says that "only 10% of the original list of forbidden materials are now allowed to enter Gaza". The "easing of the siege" is propaganda, not a reality it adds in a report.

According to the committee, two border crossings out of four controlled by the army were opened during the first week after the "easing" announcement. A third crossing was opened only for one day, while the fourth has operated at a low level capacity.

Commenting on his committee's report, the chairman, Jamal Alkudari, said, "The siege can be ended only through the full opening of all crossings, the opening of the crossing for the passage of people and goods between Gaza and the West Bank and the ending of the naval embargo, under European supervision if necessary."

Mr. Alkudari called for the continuation of international pressure on Israel using civil, legal and institutional means, including more sea convoys until the siege is broken and brought to an end. He also urged the UN Secretary General and the UNRWA to add their considerable weight to such pressure.

Source: Palestinian Media Centre