Israel to allow direct flow of humanitarian aid into Lebanon

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By Aluf Benn, Haaretz Correspondent and News Agencies

Israel agreed on Thursday to allow humanitarian aid to flow directly into Lebanon as the the Israel Defense Forces continues to press a major offensive against Hezbollah guerrillas, officials said.

The aid will be brought by a French ship to the Lebanese port of Sidon, Defense Minister Amir Peretz said. Israel's decision follows a United States request to open a "humanitarian corridor" that would allow ships to anchor on Lebanese shores to unload their supplies.

Israel has imposed a blockade on Lebanon but has not stopped foreign countries from evacuating their nationals.

"Israel has been in contact with foreign governments, with the UN agencies and with relevant NGOs to try and facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid to Lebanon," Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev said.


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