[Al Arabiya Latest] Israel's decision to ease its blockade of Gaza has drawn criticism from Palestinians who say it does not go far enough and Israelis who fear it will strengthen the territory's Hamas rulers.Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, who has held sway in the West Bank only since Hamas seized power in Gaza and ousted his forces in 2007, insisted Israel must completely lift the four-year-old blockade.
"President Abbas demands the complete lifting of the siege on Gaza," his spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina said.
"These steps alone are not sufficient, and all efforts must be exerted to ease the suffering of the people of Gaza," he added.
Gaza's Islamist rulers also dismissed Israel's decision and called for "the complete and genuine lifting of all forms of the blockade."
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said this must include "the opening of all the crossings and guaranteeing the movement of residents and the entry of all goods, especially industrial and building materials."
"We want all of Gaza's needs to be met, including electricity and fuel and the lifting of all banking restrictions, and this is what is not included in the Israeli decision, which means the siege is still in place," he told AFP.
Israel announced on Sunday it would allow the import of strictly
"civilian" goods, but will restrict "problematic dual-use" items -- thought to include construction materials which can be used to build rockets and bunkers. Israel did not mention allowing exports out of Gaza.