In response to the Israeli Government’s decision today in principle to ease restrictions on the inflow of goods and relief supplies into the Gaza Strip, Federal Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle today (17 June) issued in Berlin the following statement:

”Our goal remains, in line with relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and the EU, a complete end of the blockade of the Gaza Strip.

Today’s decision by the Israeli Government can therefore only be a first step. What counts now are prompt and tangible improvements in access to the Gaza Strip.“