(Thumbnail image: The Foreigner/Wiki)

Get more multi-source world news from Newsy.com.

“Israel easing its blockade on the Gaza strip this morning, breaking news. All foods will be allowed into the region now along with construction materials such as cement and steel but the naval blockade will remain in place.”

Israel announced it would ease its Gaza blockade under growing international pressure after May’s deadly flotilla raid. While some are praising the move as being a step in the right direction others aren’t impressed.

We’re analyzing coverage from Businessweek, BBC, YNetNews, Huffington Post and CNN.

The U.S. and several other world leaders believe it is a step in the right direction but more must be done. State Department spokesman Mark Toner tells BusinessWeek, the U.S. welcomes the general principles of the Israeli statement.

“We want to expand 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 while addressing, obviously, Israel’s legitimate security needs.”

Tony Blair tells the BBC, he applauds the announcement and hopes it will lead to a complete easing of the blockade.

“But I think this is the indication we’ve been looking for that Israel will allow a liberalization of the policy in respects to Gaza. So that we can then start to get the clearest possible distinction between keeping the weapons out and letting the items for daily life go in.”

But Israeli news site Ynetnews notes Hamas has released a statement saying this latest action is nothing more then a way to take the pressure off of Israel.

Hamas lawmaker Salah Bardawil:  "We want a real lifting of the siege, not window-dressing."

Hamas Secretary General Muhammad Awad:  “[Israel's decision is aimed at] bypassing the international community's demand to lift the blockade entirely.”

Huffington Post blogger Hani Almadhoun has spent a lot of time in Gaza.  He says by not completely lifting the blockade Israel is doing more harm to itself than Hamas is doing.

“Lift the very thing that Hamas has capitalized on to push their agenda. Lifting the siege will put the burden on Hamas to show an act of good will as they can no longer blame their shortcomings on something that has become a thing of the past.”

But Israeli’s Deputy Foreign Minister tells CNN that he agreed the previous food restrictions were inhumane and that’s why they are easing it.  But there still needs to be some form of blockade for Israel’s safety.

“You’re absolutely right and we are correcting it. There is no reason not to have a full array of food to the Gazans and we are making sure this is the case. However, this is the secondary issue and the primary issue is the blockade in order to prevent the Hamas from rearming itself.”

“In order to make sure that we will not need to resort to more violence we need this blockade unless and until Hamas changes its course of action.”

So what do you think? Is Israel right to ease the blockade?  Or does the blockade need to be completely lifted?

Get more multi-source politcal news from Newsy.com.

WRITER: Kelly Chase

PRODUCER: Newsy staff