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Israel Loosens Gaza Blockade

'Gaza can walk' says Olmert, upholding the ban on automobile fuel

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 21, 2008 4:28 PM CST

(Newser) – Israel will loosen its border blockade of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, permitting an EU fuel delivery to pass through, Reuters reports. The shipment, which will allow Gaza’s main power plant to run for a week, includes diesel fuel for generators, cooking gas, and limited supplies of food and medicine. Gas for cars is still not allowed.

"As far as I'm concerned, all the residents of Gaza can walk and have no fuel for their cars, because they have a murderous terrorist regime,” said PM Ehud Olmert. Officials said there was no schedule for future shipments, which would depend on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the frequency of rocket attacks into Israel. The EU has condemned the 3-day-old blockade.

Palestinians hold candles during a demonstration against severe fuel cuts that also led to power cuts, in Gaza City, Monday Jan. 21, 2008. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Gaza's residents can... (Associated Press)

A Palestinian boy holding the Muslims holy book the Quran in one hand and a replica rifle in the other, during a protest against Israeli tactics in the Gaza Strip in al-Yarmouk refugee camp a major refugee... (Associated Press)

Palestinian woman wearing an Arabic headdress, protests against a blockade of goods into Gaza, imposed by the Israel government, at a refugee camp in southern Damascus, Syria, on Monday Jan. 21, 2008.... (Associated Press)

Palestinians hold candles during a demonstration in support of Gaza, in the West Bank town of Hebron on Monday, Jan. 21, 2008. Israel decided Monday to ease the blockade of Gaza imposed in retaliation... (Associated Press)

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert gestures as he speaks at an event in his office in Jerusalem, Monday Jan. 21, 2008. Gaza City awoke Monday to shuttered bread shops and gas stations, prompting officials... (Associated Press)

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Israel Loosens Gaza Blockade

'Gaza can walk' says Olmert, upholding the ban on automobile fuel

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And this time, they mean it

US Fears Israel Will Hit Iran Without Warning

Ehud Barak warns, 'Later will be too late'

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Meanwhile, Russia says it won't support sanctions

Israel's Ehud Olmert Indicted on Bribery Charges

Counts date back to time as mayor of Jerusalem

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Defense Secretary says military action should be 'last resort, not the first'

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Israel Loosens Gaza Blockade

'Gaza can walk' says Olmert, upholding the ban on automobile fuel

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Ehud Olmert • Gaza • Hamas • Ehud Barak

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Hamas, Fatah Agree to Unite

And this time, they mean it

US Fears Israel Will Hit Iran Without Warning

Ehud Barak warns, 'Later will be too late'

Israel: Decision on Iran Attack 'Very Far Off'

Meanwhile, Russia says it won't support sanctions

Israel's Ehud Olmert Indicted on Bribery Charges

Counts date back to time as mayor of Jerusalem

Panetta to Israel: 'Just Get to the Damn Table'

Defense Secretary says military action should be 'last resort, not the first'

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?