Hamas rejects Gaza blockade plans
Hamas militants have said they will not let newly approved food items into the Gaza Strip as long as Israel maintains its blockade of the territory.
Israel slightly eased the much-criticised blockade on Wednesday by permitting snacks, spices and some other previously banned food items into Gaza.
The order was symbolic at best, leaving a ban in place on desperately needed construction and industrial materials.
Hamas's economy minister Ziad al-Zaza said that Gaza does not need soda and soft drinks.
He said it needs raw materials so shuttered factories can start producing their own products.
Israel has been under pressure to lift its three-year blockade since last week's naval raid killed nine pro-Palestinian activists trying to sail to Gaza.