UN chief visits Gaza, seeks end to bruising Israeli and Egyptian blockade

UN chief visits Gaza, seeks end to blockade

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon has entered the blockaded Gaza Strip, where 1.5 million people have been under lockdown by Israel and Egypt for nearly three years.

Ban has repeatedly called for an end to the blockade, imposed after the Islamic militant Hamas movement seized Gaza in 2007.

In a visit to a Gaza City neighborhood badly damaged during last year’s Israeli offensive, he promised residents appealing for an end to the blockade that “we stand with you.”

On Friday, Ban and other Mideast mediators called for the opening of Gaza’s borders.

In return, they want Hamas to recognize Israel, renounce violence and reconcile with its Western-backed rival, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who controls the West Bank.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Cabinet ministers say Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised the U.S. his government will delay new building plans in east Jerusalem and free Palestinian prisoners in an effort to defuse Israel’s worst feud with Washington in decades.

Four Cabinet ministers spoke about the steps on condition of anonymity Sunday because they had not yet been formally announced.

Israeli media reports said Netanyahu also agreed to ease Israel’s blockade of Gaza and discuss all major issues dividing Israel and the Palestinians in U.S.-mediated talks.

The row broke out after Israel announced plans during a visit by the U.S. vice president to build 1,600 apartments in east Jerusalem, which Palestinians want as a future capital.