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Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/30/AR2010063004397.html
U.S. Envoy Welcomes Israeli Steps to Relax Gaza Blockade
(Washington Post) Joel Greenberg - Israel's first steps toward easing its blockade of Gaza were welcomed Wednesday by U.S. special envoy George Mitchell as he visited the Kerem Shalom crossing where goods are transferred to the Palestinian territory. Trucks carried glass kitchenware, baked goods and cables, and drivers said they were now bringing in chocolates, soft drinks, clothing and shoes that had been barred in the past. Military officials said home appliances, such as refrigerators and microwave ovens, were also being allowed in. "I saw firsthand today that progress is being made," Mitchell said after touring the crossing. "We welcome these changes. As implementation proceeds, these arrangements should significantly improve conditions for Palestinians in Gaza." "Israel has legitimate security concerns," Mitchell said. "The United States strongly reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and we support international efforts to prevent the trafficking of arms and ammunition into Gaza." He also called the continued detention of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit by Hamas "deplorable and unacceptable."