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From Christian Science Monitor –

After Gaza flotilla raid, Israel close to easing Gaza blockade

An Israeli cabinet meeting on easing the Gaza blockade broke up without a decision today. But it appears the aftermath of the Gaza flotilla raid is forcing Israel to dramatically alter its approach to the Hamas-run enclave.

Tel Aviv

The Israeli cabinet ended a meeting to discuss abandoning a three-year-old economic blockade of the Gaza Strip without a decision on Wednesday, deferring action until tomorrow even as most signs point to a significant easing of Israeli restrictions on imports of foodstuffs and construction materials into the impoverished Hamas-run territory.

Israel’s looming about face on a policy that is popular with its citizens appears to be a response to the Jewish state’s diplomatic isolation since an Israeli commando raid left nine Turkish citizens dead on a flotilla bringing humanitarian aid to Gaza…. (more)

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2010/0616/After-Gaza-flotilla-raid-Israel-close-to-easing-Gaza-blockade

Ahmadinejad: Sanctions meant to distract world from flotilla raid

Iranian president says new UN resolution against his country’s nuclear program attempt to distract world from ‘Zionist regime’s crimes’

Dudi Cohen

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3906155,00.html

…. and 

President Ahmadinejad described the Israeli assault on the freedom flotilla as ‘despicable’ and ‘unjustifiable’, and underscored that the brutal act has brought shame upon the Zionist regime of Israel and its backers.

[June 18 UPDATE: ]

Abbas tells Mitchell Gaza blockade must fully end, official says

RAMALLAH, June 18 (Xinhua) — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reiterated to U.S. peace envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell on Friday that the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip must be completely lifted, a senior Palestinian official said….(more)

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-06/18/c_13357304.htm