Hamas rejects snack foods Israel permitted into Gaza, demands full end to blockade

Hamas rejects Israel-approved snack foods for Gaza

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Hamas militants say they will not let newly approved food items into the Gaza Strip as long as Israel maintains its blockade of the territory.

Israel slightly eased the much-criticized blockade on Wednesday by permitting snacks, spices and some other previously banned food items into Gaza.

The order was symbolic at best, leaving a ban in place on desperately needed construction and industrial materials.

Hamas’ economy minister, Ziad al-Zaza, said on Thursday that Gaza doesn’t need soda and soft drinks.

He says it needs raw materials so shuttered factories can start producing their own products.

Israel has been under pressure to lift its three-year blockade since last week’s naval raid killed nine pro-Palestinian activists trying to sail to Gaza.