No end to Gaza crisis

ISRAELI, Palestinian and US negotiators failed yesterday to resolve a border crossing crisis that has caused shortages of vital food products in Gaza.

Although the Palestinians said they were hopeful the main cargo crossings could open after more meetings today, the area’s economic misery looked likely to deepen as Hamas militants sworn to Israel’s destruction presented their new Cabinet to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The Islamic group’s failure to bring moderate forces into its government is likely to strengthen Western resolve to cut off desperately needed aid.