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Israel ends blockade of Lebanon | |
(40 minutes later) | |
Israel has confirmed it has ended its blockade of Lebanon. | |
A spokeswoman said Israel had turned over control of monitoring the coastline to the UN. The air blockade on the country was lifted on Thursday. | |
Israel imposed the embargo in July at the start of its conflict with Hezbollah fighters following the capture of two Israeli soldiers. | |
The blockade hampered Lebanon's recovery from Israel's bombardment during the 34-day conflict. | |
Relatives of the two Israeli soldiers still being held by Hezbollah had said the blockade should remain until they were released. | |
Control question | Control question |
Israeli government spokeswoman Miri Eisin said: "The Italian-led taskforce will continue to enforce the international embargo against the supply of armaments to Hezbollah." | |
An Israeli official said the delay in lifting the naval element was because it was not clear who was taking control of the UN force. | |
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. |