Defense Minister Ehud Barak has ordered the reopening of Gaza commercial crossings, permitting the flow of goods into Hamas-controlled Gaza. As a result of Kassam rocket attacks, the crossings were closed for 48 hours.

Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai earlier in the week highlighted his position, that despite having to maintain a firm hand against the Hamas-based regime in Gaza, Israel cannot and will not permit a humanitarian crisis to take place in Gaza.

Ironically, the crossings are opened today, Gilad Shalit’s 22nd birthday. Critics of the current government’s policies question how Israel can permit Gazans to enjoy the flow of necessary products and food while the matter of Gilad Shalit’s release from Hamas captivity remains on a low burner.

Officials of the Committee for Gilad’s Release told Israel Radio on Thursday that Olmert told the nation he would not agree to a Gaza ceasefire agreement that did not include Gilad, but at the end of the day, he did just that.

Mr. Noam Shalit, Gilad’s father, told reporters on Wednesday that he blames Prime Minister Ehud Barak and other government officials for his son’s prolonged captivity, and questions how the cabinet permits itself to carry one ‘business as usual’ while his son, an IDF soldier, remains in Hamas’ hands.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)