OBAMA CALLS FOR BETTER APPROACH TO GAZA STRIP

09.06.2010 [23:05]
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Baku, June 9 (AZERTAC). U.S. President Barack Obama has called the situation in the Gaza Strip "unsustainable," and called for a new approach to improve conditions in the Palestinian territory.

Mr. Obama made the remarks Wednesday following his meeting at the White House with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Speaking about Israel`s blockade on Gaza, the American president said there must be a way to preserve Israel`s security while allowing Palestinians to thrive.

Mr. Abbas called on Israel to lift what he called a "siege" on the Palestinian people, and to open all border crossings.

Mr. Obama also announced U.S. plans to provide an additional $400 million in aid for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

Last week, the Israeli military raided an aid convoy trying to break Israel`s blockade of the Gaza Strip. Eight Turks and an American of Turkish origin were killed in the operation.

Mr. Obama called the incident a tragedy and reiterated support for the U.N. Security Council`s call for a transparent investigation.