The Israeli Government published lists of goods today whose import into the Gaza Strip is either prohibited or restricted.

This marked the transition from a so-called positive list (containing goods whose import is permitted) to a negative list (containing only goods whose import is prohibited or subject to certain conditions) and thus a substantial improvement in the flow of goods into the Gaza Strip.

Commenting on this, Federal Minister Westerwelle issued the following statement today (5 July) in Berlin:

“The lists of imports published today represent a crucial move towards implementing the Israeli Security Cabinet’s decision to ease the blockade of the Gaza Strip.

I expressly welcome this important step forward, which will make it much easier to supply goods to Gaza.”