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UN says Lebanon sea blockade over UN says Lebanon blockade lifted
(about 1 hour later)
The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon has said Israel has lifted its sea blockade of the country. The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon has said Israel's blockade of the country is now over.
A UN naval force has taken over patrolling Lebanese waters, said a spokesman for UN force leader Maj-Gen Alain Pellegrini. Israel lifted its air blockade on Thursday and on Friday the UN said its naval force was now in place patrolling Lebanese waters.
Israel has not yet confirmed lifting the blockade, which it imposed in July at the start of its conflict with Hezbollah fighters. Israel has not yet confirmed lifting the naval element. It imposed the blockade in July at the start of its conflict with Hezbollah fighters.
Israel lifted its air blockade on Thursday but delayed the sea embargo. The blockade has hampered Lebanon's recovery from the 34-day conflict.
It said a sufficient UN naval force had to be in place. However, relatives of two Israeli soldiers captured and still held by Hezbollah have said the blockade should remain until they are released.
The blockade has hampered Lebanon's recovery but relatives of two Israeli soldiers captured and still held by Hezbollah have said it should remain until they are released.
Control questionControl question
Israel is co-ordinating the handover to the UN forces under France's Maj-Gen Pellegrini.Israel is co-ordinating the handover to the UN forces under France's Maj-Gen Pellegrini.
Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema said an Italian admiral would assume initial control of the patrolling force, adding: "The sea and air blockade has ended."Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema said an Italian admiral would assume initial control of the patrolling force, adding: "The sea and air blockade has ended."
The force is now operational and I understand that the naval blockade is lifted Alain PellegriniThe force is now operational and I understand that the naval blockade is lifted Alain Pellegrini
Miri Eisin, spokeswoman for the Israeli prime minister, said she had no immediate confirmation of the final order to end the blockade, but had earlier said the lifting would happen within hours.Miri Eisin, spokeswoman for the Israeli prime minister, said she had no immediate confirmation of the final order to end the blockade, but had earlier said the lifting would happen within hours.
An Israeli official said there had been a delay in lifting the naval element as it was not clear who was taking control.An Israeli official said there had been a delay in lifting the naval element as it was not clear who was taking control.
A German naval force is expected to take over at a later stage.A German naval force is expected to take over at a later stage.
About 3,250 international troops are now in Lebanon under the UN banner, and UN officials say that figure could reach 5,000 troops next week.About 3,250 international troops are now in Lebanon under the UN banner, and UN officials say that figure could reach 5,000 troops next week.
Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah ended on 14 August after the UN passed Resolution 1701 which called for a ceasefire and security arrangements for Israel's northern border.Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah ended on 14 August after the UN passed Resolution 1701 which called for a ceasefire and security arrangements for Israel's northern border.
But Israel kept up the blockade of Lebanese sea and air ports.But Israel kept up the blockade of Lebanese sea and air ports.
Lebanon estimates the country has been losing $30m-50m a day in trade because of the blockade - money desperately needed to help the rebuilding.Lebanon estimates the country has been losing $30m-50m a day in trade because of the blockade - money desperately needed to help the rebuilding.
Relatives of the two Israeli soldiers have expressed concerns over lifting the blockade.Relatives of the two Israeli soldiers have expressed concerns over lifting the blockade.
Shlomo Goldwasser, father of one of the soldiers, said: "The blockade was a way to pressure Hezbollah, but there's no blockade any more. I'm not even angry. It just makes me even more sad."Shlomo Goldwasser, father of one of the soldiers, said: "The blockade was a way to pressure Hezbollah, but there's no blockade any more. I'm not even angry. It just makes me even more sad."
More than 1,100 Lebanese and about 160 Israelis died in the conflict, sparked by the capture of the two Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah in a cross-border raid.More than 1,100 Lebanese and about 160 Israelis died in the conflict, sparked by the capture of the two Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah in a cross-border raid.