Israeli human rights group B'Tselem on Wednesday welcomed in a statement the security cabinet's decision to ease restrictions on exports from Gaza.The statement said the group expressed hope "that the change of policy stems from an understanding that Israel must stop using its control over the crossings with Gaza for collective punishment of its population."However, B'Tselem noted that the "true test" of the government's decision is in its implementation. "In the past, even while allowing import and export, Israel placed arbitrary restrictions that impaired trade. Israel must take all necessary steps, subject to security restrictions, to allow the free flow of goods," the statement said.
(photo credit: The Jerusalem Post)