The Israeli government has partially eased the blockade on Gaza just ahead of today’s visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House to meet with President Obama. Billed as a “kiss-and-make-up” session, the meeting marks the first time the leaders have met since Israel’s deadly raid on a Gaza-bound aid ship in May. Under Israel’s new rules, most consumer goods will now be allowed into Gaza, but construction equipment is still barred. In addition, the sea blockade will continue, and Palestinians will still be barred from exporting anything from Gaza. UN Mideast Envoy Robert Serry praised the slight easing of the blockade.

Robert Serry: “Well, of course, this is something we have been looking forward to for a very long time. I don’t know how many times I’ve been telling the Security Council that the situation in Gaza is unsustainable and that the blockade was unacceptable and also politically wrongheaded. So, a decision now by the Israeli government to substantially ease the closure regime can only be welcomed by me. Of course, we have to see it also happen on the ground.”

Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri said the people of Gaza will remain under siege until the blockade is completely ended.

Sami Abu Zuhri: “We demand that Obama put real pressure on Netanyahu to lift the siege on Gaza and to stop demanding simply for allowing more goods into Gaza, because this does not change anything, but rather cements the policy of the siege.”