Israel to reopen second border point into Gaza StripMay 3, 2016 - 08:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Israel plans to reopen a second border point for commercial traffic into the Gaza Strip, an official said on Monday, May 2, a step in gradually easing the blockade imposed on the Palestinian enclave since 2007, Reuters reports. The decision to allow trucks through the Erez terminal, on Gaza's northeastern tip, was taken in recognition that a truce that ended the 2014 war against Hamas is holding, the official said. Israel says its blockade prevents the movement of militants and stops construction materials that could be used by Hamas to make bunkers and tunnels. Palestinians there say they are under siege and are unable to rebuild homes destroyed by Israeli bombing. Israel halted commercial traffic through Erez in 2000, after a Palestinian revolt erupted, and only passengers transit has been allowed since, Reuters says. The official said details of its reopening were still being worked out, and gave no implementation date: "It won't be today or tomorrow." Changing Gaza policy is politically sensitive in Israel, as Hamas, while holding fire, remains openly hostile toward it, so the announcement was kept low-key. Regional powers Egypt and Turkey also have a close interest in what happens in Gaza. Egypt, which has the only other border with Gaza, has helped Israel maintain the blockade, deeming Hamas a threat. Turkey has said improving relations with Israel is dependent on the blockade ending. Erez will eventually handle at least half of the around 600 trucks that go through Kerem Shalon daily, the official said. Gaza is home to 1.95 million Palestinians, 80 percent of whom are dependent on aid, according to the United Nations. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |