Aid from flotilla makes its way to Gaza
Top story: Humanitarian aid from the Gaza-bound flotilla, which the Israel Defense Forces raided when it attempted to breach its blockade on May 31, killing nine, began arriving in Gaza by land. The cargo had been delayed while Israel, Hamas, and international aid organizations debated the terms of its release. Israel insisted that the aid should not be distributed by the Turkish Islamic organization IHH, which sponsored the flotilla, because of its ties to Hamas. The United Nations eventually agreed to distribute the aid.
The first items to cross into Gaza were 82 battery-powered scooters, for use by the handicapped. Israel had considered withholding the batteries and chargers for the scooters, fearing that they could be diverted to military use. World Health Organizations officials eventually convinced Israel to let the batteries into Gaza. 128 trucks lined up along the Israeli border, carrying the ships' former cargo into Gaza.
U.S. Middle East envoy George Mitchell oversaw the convoy of aid from the Israeli side of the border, and offered praise for Israel's decision to ease the Gaza blockade. "We appreciate the changes that have been made," he said, adding that the United States would consult with Israel on "further steps that will be taken in the near future."
Latin American tigers: While most of the world's economies remain in the doldrums, Latin American has witnessed surprisingly robust growth. The World Bank forecast that the region's economy will grow at 4.5 percent this year.
The first items to cross into Gaza were 82 battery-powered scooters, for use by the handicapped. Israel had considered withholding the batteries and chargers for the scooters, fearing that they could be diverted to military use. World Health Organizations officials eventually convinced Israel to let the batteries into Gaza. 128 trucks lined up along the Israeli border, carrying the ships' former cargo into Gaza.
U.S. Middle East envoy George Mitchell oversaw the convoy of aid from the Israeli side of the border, and offered praise for Israel's decision to ease the Gaza blockade. "We appreciate the changes that have been made," he said, adding that the United States would consult with Israel on "further steps that will be taken in the near future."
Latin American tigers: While most of the world's economies remain in the doldrums, Latin American has witnessed surprisingly robust growth. The World Bank forecast that the region's economy will grow at 4.5 percent this year.
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