US congressman says US should break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, deliver supplies by sea
By APMonday, February 15, 2010
Congressman says US should break Gaza blockade
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — A U.S. congressman says the United States should break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver badly needed supplies by sea.
Rep. Brian Baird, a Democrat from Washington state, also says President Barack Obama’s Mideast envoy should visit Gaza to get a look at the destruction cause by Israel’s offensive last year.
The U.S. shuns Gaza because the territory’s Hamas rulers refuse to recognize Israel or renounce violence.
Baird, who has announced his retirement from Congress, spoke Sunday evening to a group of Gaza students.
Israel and Egypt have kept Gaza’s borders largely sealed since 2006, and have not allowed building supplies into the area. Baird said that U.S. vessels should anchor off Gaza and deliver what’s needed.
