Israel allows humanitarian supplies into Gaza

Israel announced today it will allow food and other basic supplies into the Gaza Strip to prevent a looming humanitarian disaster.

“Our consideration is the humanitarian issue. Allowing merchandise through Karni in order to prevent hunger in Gaza is what will guide Israel to allow merchandise,” Public Security Minister Avi Dichter said.

Israel controls Gaza’s border crossings, including the critical Karni cargo terminal, enabling it to control the flow of goods in and out of the area.

Dichter’s pledge came despite Israel’s hostilities with Hamas, which it considers a terrorist group.

Hamas this week took over the coastal strip from rival Palestinian group, Fatah.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said he wants to bolster Hamas’ rival, moderate President Mahmoud Abbas, in the Palestinian stand-off.