" Obama calls for new approach on Gaza blockade"

[Cha]

WASHINGTON –

"President Barack Obama called on Wednesday for sharply limiting Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip in the wake of the botched Israeli naval raid that's straining U.S. and Israeli relations with allies around the world, and the White House announced a $400 million aid package for Gaza and the West Bank.

"The situation in Gaza is unsustainable," Obama said as he met with

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the Oval Office. He said the attention of the world is on the problem because of the "tragedy" of the Israeli raid that killed nine people trying to bring in supplies.

Obama called for narrowly tailoring Israel's broad blockade on goods entering the Gaza Strip so that arms are kept out, but not items needed for the Palestinians' daily life and economic development.

"The key here is making sure that Israel's security needs are met but that the needs of people in Gaza are also met," said Obama.

<more>
http://www.readersupportednews.org/off-site-news-section/122-122/2164-obama-calls-for-new-approach-on-gaza-blockade