BU Now » navel embargo http://blogs.bu.edu/bunow News, information and research from Boston University Wed, 21 Sep 2011 18:14:24 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.4 Israel eases Gaza blockade http://blogs.bu.edu/bunow/2010/06/17/israel-eases-gaza-blockade/ http://blogs.bu.edu/bunow/2010/06/17/israel-eases-gaza-blockade/#comments Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:43:12 +0000 Dick Taffe http://blogs.bu.edu/bunow/?p=5989 Gaza strip mapIsrael announced a relaxation of the 3-year-old blockade of Gaza, promising to ease the importation of some goods by land but not offering to lift its navel embargo.  The move came weeks after Israeli commandos killed nine people on an aid flotilla trying to breach the blockade.  International relations Professor Augustus Richard Norton, author of “Hezbollah: A Short History” and authority on Middle East politics, says if Israel was serious about improving the living conditions in Gaza, it would stop preventing the exports of agricultural goods and allow the strip’s simple manufacturing sector to resume making and selling everyday essentials.

“This latest decision is an arrogant in-your-face to the U.S. and other concerned members of the international community.  Watch the U.S. government spokespersons’ reaction.  If they commend Israel, then you may heavily discount Obama’s commitment to Middle East peacemaking.”

Contact Agustus Richard Norton, 617-353-7808, arn@bu.edu

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