Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is ready to ease the blockade imposed on Gaza Strip amid growing international criticism following the deadly raid on an aid flotilla, Israeli media reported on Thursday. The Israeli leader could allow merchant ships to carry goods to the Strip but only after an inspection, public television said.
The private Channel 10 television said that the prime minister could seek international help to inspect shipments heading for Gaza. Accordingto the reports, Netanyahu hopes this will ensure that no arms reach Gaza and that it would help deflect international criticism following the raid.
UN chief Ban Ki-moon demanded Wednesday that Israel lift the blockade immediately. According to AFP, Ban said the crippling Israeli siege was "counter-productive, unsustainable and wrong."
