Israel has eased restrictions on the import of consumer goods to the Gaza Strip, relaxing its blockade on the Palestinian territory.<br /><br />Instead of listing items allowed into the coastal enclave, Israel has now created a blacklist, which lets in all items except "weapons, war material and dual-use items".<br /><br />However, the term "dual-use" holds an ambiguity that threatens the possibility of allowing in crucial construction material like iron and steel.<br /><br />This has led to much concern over the prospect of rebuilding Gaza's infrastructure that underwent widespread destruction as a result of Israel's military offensive last year. <br /><br />In an exclusive interview to Al Jazeera, Tony Blair, the special Middle East envoy of the international Quartet comprising the US, Russia, EU and the UN, said that the announcement was a step forward in efforts to rebuild Gaza.<br /><br />Speaking from Kuwait City on Monday, Blair said: "Household items, foodstuffs, bulk materials like textiles and so on go in.<br /><br />"For some construction materials like cement and so on, these will go in, but under a procedure agreed with the international community.<br /><br />"This is a big change if it is implemented, and we have to make sure it is.<br /><br />"If we want to get a final lifting of all the restrictions, we have to get renewed montentum back into the peace process and unity between Gaza and the West Bank. This is absolutely essential."<br /><br />[July 5, 2010]
