Israel's blockade of Gaza has not weakened Hamas, Mr Holmes said The UN's top humanitarian official, John Holmes, has criticised Israel for linking the 2006 capture of an Israeli soldier to its blockade of Gaza.Mr Holmes also said Israeli actions in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, including expanding settlements, was counter to the peace process. He urged a relaxation of the blockade, warning Gaza was "de-developing". US Vice-President Joe Biden's visit to the region has been soured by Israeli plans for new homes in East Jerusalem. The Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, was captured by Palestinian militants nearly four years ago near the border with Gaza. 'Gangster economy'Mr Holmes, of the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, was speaking at the UN after visiting Israel and the Palestinian territories earlier this month. "Obviously we've called for the release of Cpl Shalit, and that he should be treated in accordance to the Geneva conventions," Mr Holmes said.[Read more...]