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Supplies flow into Gaza as Israel eases land blockade
Under international pressure, Israel is easing its grip on the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.
Hundreds of trucks laden with goods are rolling into Gaza this week, as Israel eases its crippling three-year-old blockade. All food supplies and some building materials are being allowed in for the first time since the Palestinian militant group Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007.
The aim of the Israeli blockade was to isolate Hamas, which Israel and some other countries regard as a terrorist organization.
But Israel was forced to change course after its deadly commando raid on a flotilla of aid ships trying to break the Gaza blockade three weeks ago. Nine pro-Palestinian activists, including an American citizen, were killed, sparking international outrage and fresh demands to lift the blockade.