US welcomes Israeli ‘general principles’ to ease blockade of Gaza

State Department spokesman Mark Toner said Thursday that the US welcomed "the general principles" of Israel's plan to ease its blockade of the Gaza Strip, hoping it will improve conditions in the impoverished territory. 

"We welcome the general principles announced earlier today by the Israeli government. They reflect the type of changes we've been discussing with our Israeli friends," Mark Toner told reporters. He added that US envoy George Mitchell "will continue working on them in the coming days" while he remains in the region.

"As these principles get further developed and implemented we hope the situation in Gaza will improve," said Mark Toner, hailing as "positive" the Israeli decision.

"We want to see an expansion of the scope and types of goods allowed into Gaza to address the Palestinians' legitimate needs for sustained humanitarian assistance and regular access for reconstruction materials," he said.

In addition, Mark Toner said US is once again calling for the release of the Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who was captured by Hamas four years ago. Hamas sources here say that the Gaza blockade is for them unconnected with Cpl Shalit's plight. He would be released only when Israel agrees to their list of Palestinian prisoners to be released in exchange.