The AP’s latest entry on the blockade of Gaza seems to be less hostile to Israel.
Israel said Monday it will ease a blockade of Gaza imposed in retaliation for militant rocket attacks, allowing some food and fuel in for one day. The announcement followed a U.N. warning that international food aid to the impoverished territory may have to be suspended by the weekend.
The closure imposed after a spike in rocket attacks last week cut off fuel supplies. On Sunday, Gaza’s Hamas rulers shut the strip’s power plant, leaving one-third of the 1.5 million people without electricity. Gas stations and many bakeries closed, and health officials warned of an impending crisis in hospitals running low on generator fuel.
The cutoff of fuel prompted condemnation from aid and human rights groups. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak called Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Monday and urged him to ease restrictions.
Before agreeing to the one-time shipment on Tuesday of diesel fuel and medicine, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert strongly defended the blockade.
He told legislators from his Kadima Party he will not allow a humanitarian crisis to develop. But he said Gaza’s residents won’t be able to live a “pleasant and comfortable life” as long as southern Israel is under rocket attack.
I swear, you’d think they read my blog. Of course, they don’t do nearly as much as they should, but putting the blame on Hamas in the lede—damn. That’s an improvement.
There must have been a junior editor on duty.
Why is Gaza still throwing missiles into Israel? Is it W or Condi’s fault? Who should I blame?
Jews who are guilty that they are alive are a huge reason why Israel is in peril.
Evict Gaza. Settle Yesha. Repeat.
Meryl:
Sorry, no.
Israel has definitely lost this round of the media war. Only vague mentions of Israeli hardships. Pitiful pictures of the poor Gazans flood the airwaves.
And, as you note, Juan Cole pleases his Saudi masters and blames Israel 100%.
Note too, that almost immediately after Barak relented and sent a fuel shipment to Gaza, Hamas responded with yet another massive rocket and mortar barrage.
Israel should immediately mobilize 50,000 troops for a ‘coup d’main’ style invasion of Gaza. After which a military governor should be appointed. After an acceptable period of time, the area would be handed back to Fatah, minus weapons and terrorists.