Gaza: Israelis continue the big lie

Israel maintains that it has lifted the blockade on Gaza. It's a lie - as some 21 aid groups claim that the position of the Gazans remain dire.

The Washington Post reports - as does the BBC - on what is happening on the ground:

"Business and construction in the Gaza Strip remain stifled half a year after Israel announced it would ease its three-year-old blockade of the needy, war-ravaged Palestinian territory, a report by several aid groups said Tuesday.

The groups accused Israel of ducking promises to ease the blockade's effects on civilians, a pledge it made under pressure after a deadly Israeli commando raid in May on an international flotilla protesting the restrictions. The report said Israel is allowing in more food and some building materials but is dragging its feet on major construction projects.

"We aren't seeing an easing of the blockade compared to Israel's declared aims," said Karl Schembri of Oxfam, among the 21 groups behind the report. Others included Amnesty International and Save the Children.

"It's not having any impact," he said."

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