|
http://english.aljazeera.net G8 leaders criticise Gaza blockade The leaders of the world's eight richest nations have called for Israel's blockade on the Gaza Strip to be relaxed in order to allow more aid to reach the civilian population of the beleagured coastal territory. G8 leaders meeting in Canada issued a wide ranging statement on Saturday, addressing global security concerns ranging from Israel's blockade on the Gaza Strip to the situation in Afghanistan and concerns over Iran's nuclear programme. After two days of talks in the Canadian town of Huntsville, the leaders said that the Gaza blockade was "not sustainable" and "must be changed". Their statement welcomed the Israeli government's recent plan to partially ease the blockade, and called for it to be put in place immediately. "We urge full and effective implementation of this policy in order to address the needs of Gaza's population for humanitarian and commercial goods, civilian reconstruction and infrastructure, and legitimate economic activity." |