Israel must re-open the border crossing into the Gaza Strip "to allow the flow of aid and commerce," Mr Obama said.

22.Jan.2009
Israel must re-open the border crossing into the Gaza Strip "to allow the flow of aid and commerce," Mr Obama said.
from BBC NEWS
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7846229.stm

from Washington Post
Transcript
President Obama Delivers Remarks to State Department Employees
JANUARY 22, 2009
SPEAKERS: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
VICE PRESIDENT JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
FORMER SEN. GEORGE MITCHELL, D-MAINE, SPECIAL ENVOY FOR THE MIDDLE EAST
FORMER AMBASSADOR RICHARD HOLBROOKE
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/22/AR2009012202550.html



Obama: Israel must open Gaza Strip border crossings
from Maan News Agency
http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=35201

"Now we must extend a hand of opportunity to those who seek peace. As part of a lasting ceasefire, Gaza's border crossings should be open to allow the flow of aid and commerce," Obama said.
from Al Jazeera English
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2009/01/200912222168481201.html


from AFP
US President Barack Obama said Thursday he was dispatching new Mideast envoy George Mitchell to shore up the fragile truce in Gaza, as Israel warned it would strike again if Hamas is allowed to rearm.

Both Obama and United Nations officials also called on Israel to open Gaza border crossings.

"As part of a lasting ceasefire, Gaza's border crossings should be open to allow the flow of aid and commerce," Obama said, during his first visit to the State Department as president.

UN humanitarian chief John Holmes said the borders must be opened to allow reconstruction of the enclave.
from AFP
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jDYcbwwZ79rB1yQgqJmniS0YfDcg


from HAARETZ
He also said Gaza's borders should be opened to allow aid to come in, with appropriate monitoring.

The naming of Mitchell, a veteran international troubleshooter, to the role would signal that Obama was serious about carrying out his campaign pledge to engage early in his administration on the Middle East issue, analysts have said.
from HAARETZ
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1057919.html