The Israeli government recently informed the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Civil Affairs in Ramallah that it has removed three newspapers from its once-secret list of items with dual-use designation, goods which the army maintains could be used for military purposes by Palestinian militant groups like Hamas' armed wing.
Israeli officials say the Palestinian dailies Al-Quds, Al-Ayyam and Al-Hayat Al-Jadida will no longer be treated as dangerous, following a 20-month ban. The newspapers' offices say they are ready to receive the papers and renew distribution throughout the Strip, which has suffered under a four-year blockade.
But Israeli authorities aren't the only ones banning newspapers from Gaza. Distribution of Al-Ayyam was blocked in February 2008 by a Hamas-run court and could face a complicated return due to its pro-Fatah editorial stance. It is not clear if Hamas will join in on Israel's new liberalization measures.
The top United Nations envoy for the Middle East peace process has welcomed recent measures announced by Israel to allow more consumer goods into Gaza, calling them important steps in the right direction.
“This can only be the beginning of the long road towards reconstruction and a functioning economy in the Gaza Strip,” UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry said Monday.
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