Under U.S. pressure, Israel announces that the IDF will conduct an internal investigation of the 5/31 flotilla incident and eases the Gaza blockade slightly, allowing in the 1st shipments of jam, juice, halva, shaving razors since 6/07 and saying that spices such as coriander and cardamom will be allowed in as of 6/10. IDF troops on the c. Gaza border e. of Gaza City fire warning shots at Palestinians scavenging aggregate fr. destroyed buildings nr. the no-go zone, wounding 1 Palestinian. In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes 2 building foundations in Beit El settlement, built in violation of the temporary settlement freeze; settlers throw stones, light bulbs full of paint at Israeli police, who respond with tear gas and arrest 4 protesters. The IDF also conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Jenin. (WP 6/9; NYT, PCHR, WJW 6/10; OCHA 6/11)
Tuesday, June 8, 2010