That if the rockets fly again or the arms smuggling starts up again the blockade will go back in effect again and even tougher.

That will cause the "poor" to get products they claim they don't get (even though every store is stuffed with these items all over Gaza), and the wealthy tunnel operators (including Hamas) to lose tons of revenue and go broke. Continue the blockade on cash, weapons, and construction materials, but let the suck-asses have their spices, washing machines, and Bamba. Then, slap the full blockade again for a few months, then ease it, then slap it down again. Screw with Hamas and give them political and economic instability.

The blockade was only going to radicalise more Palestinians and bring Hamas more supporters. I'm glad at the outcome The people shouldn't suffer just because of Hamas (who the majority don't support). And though this article is clearly biased lets not forget that Israelis hands are not whiter than white (unless there covered in white phosphorous).

And you state this as a member of the Government of which country?

Hamas' popularity dropped to 22% and polls showed they'd lose any election big time. People are mainly complaining that Hamas hasn't delivered on their campaign promises of change and reform, following the path of war against Israel instead of building factories (especially after Hamas destroyed so many of them). Hamas admitted their biggest problem now is getting cash into Gaza, and have only been able to pay half of the salaries of their employees. Despite this, Gazan stores are FULL of items from exotic food stuffs to new Korean appliances, flat screen TVs to new cars seen driving around and new zoo animals. It seems yet another UK idiot has been duped by their propaganda ploy, which even Financial Times contradicted. White phosphorous - you mean that stuff that both the US, NATO, and ICRC accepted was used legally in Gaza during Cast Lead?

Just last week I was pondering the plight of the poor Gazans. All my research indicated that the Gazans were not starving to death and were receiving adequate supplies. I wondered what was going to happen when all the “humanitarian aid” hit the markets. These lines confirmed my conclusions exactly. “Local residents and dealers are hardly surprised, seeing as the demand for goods must grow before any more trucks enter the area.” “The main change is in the price levels.” Well, well, well. If you believed the lefties there should have been rivers of tears flowing from grateful Gazans that they would live to see another day. I would have expected mobs of people desperately trying to grab bags of grain to feed their dying families. Nothing like that has happened. Why? Because all the talk about the oppressed and persecuted Gazans is and has always been a myth. But now Hamas has a very different problem to consider. The law of supply and demand has kicked in. Hamas has to figure out how to continue gouge their people with so much supply around. Good luck with that one!

They are their elected government!

Despite its failure to improve the living conditions of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and its responsibility for the ongoing suffering there, Hamas is still admired by many because of its continued defiance and refusal to bow to US, Israeli and Arab pressure. Poll after poll shows widespread collective support among the majority of the Palestinian Arab population for Hamas and for the destruction of Israel. More at : http://xrl.us/bfnjsx

Gaza should realise that their shooting at Israel, almost everyday, instead of recognizing Israel and making peace with her - can endanger their growing economy. The Palestinians should follow the example of Egypt and Jordan, and sign a Peace Treaty with Israel, that will allow them to flourish.