Lavrov calls for end to Gaza blockade, settlement activity

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the blockade of the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip must end, and so should Israeli construction in disputed territory. Lavrov says the blockade, imposed by Israel and Egypt after Hamas seized control of Gaza in June, is "unacceptable." At a news conference in the West Bank town of Ramallah on Friday, Lavrov added that Russia was "very much worried" about Israeli construction on land the Palestinians claim for a future state. "We call for an immediate halt to settlement activity," he said.