Double Standard Press Release on Easing Gaza Siege “Israel” Announces Let-Up to Gaza Siege Only in English!

Local Editor



Prime Minister's office issues two statements, one in English announcing plan to ease
The Prime Minister's Office announced on Thursday that the security cabinet had agreed to relax "Israel's" blockade on the Gaza Strip, but as it turns out, no binding decision was ever made during the cabinet meeting.

Following the security cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister's Office issued the two press releases; one in English, which was sent to foreign media and diplomats, substantially different than the Hebrew one. According to the English text, a decision was made to ease the blockade, but in the Hebrew text issued for "Israeli" media, there was no mention of any such decision.

The English version said that "It was agreed to liberalize the system by which civilian goods enter Gaza [and] expand the inflow of materials for civilian projects that are under international supervision." The Hebrew version addressed mainly remarks made by Netanyahu, but failed to mention any decision or agreement.

In addition to the English statement, word was sent to foreign consulates and embassies indicating that the decision made by the security cabinet will be implemented immediately.

However, according to the officials charged with the actual monitoring of the transfer of goods into Gaza, they have not been notified of any change in policy as a result of the cabinet meeting.
According to the "Israeli" daily, it is not clear whether this discrepancy was a deliberate attempt to buy time in the face of international pressure, or a clerical omission on behalf of the Prime Minister's Office.

The cabinet ministers held a long discussion on Wednesday and another one Thursday morning on the topic of altering "Israel's" policy following the three-year siege on the Gaza Strip.

Sources at the Prime Minister's Office admitted that there was no decision, and no vote, during the security cabinet meeting. One of the sources said that "it was a briefing by the prime minister," and another source said it was a "declaration of intent."