Foreign Secretary statement on plans to ease Gaza restrictions
Foreign Secretary William Hague has welcomed today's announcement on Israel's intentions to ease restrictions on Gaza.
Foreign Secretary William Hague said:
“I welcome today’s announcement on Israel’s intentions to ease restrictions on Gaza. This evening I spoke to Quartet Representative Tony Blair. We both agreed that this marks an important step in the right direction.
“These changes must now be implemented swiftly to allow the necessary movement of people, aid and goods in and out of Gaza, and revive Gaza’s economy, while continuing to meet Israel’s legitimate security concerns. Israel’s long-term interests lie in creating an environment where Gaza’s economy can flourish. The test now is how the new policy will be carried out.
“An important step will be the full reopening of the Karni crossing to ensure a free flow of humanitarian, commercial and reconstruction supplies. We also continue to call for the release of Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier who has been held hostage in the Gaza strip since June 2006.”