Defense Minister Ehud Barak has ordered the reopening of Gaza commercial crossings, permitting the flow of goods into Hamas-controlled Gaza. As a result of Kassam rocket attacks, the crossings were closed for 48 hours.

Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai earlier in the week highlighted his position, that despite having to maintain a firm hand against the Hamas-based regime in Gaza, Israel cannot and will not permit a humanitarian crisis to take place in Gaza.

Ironically, the crossings are opened today, Gilad Shalit�s 22nd birthday. Critics of the current government�s policies question how Israel can permit Gazans to enjoy the flow of necessary products and food while the matter of Gilad Shalit�s release from Hamas captivity remains on a low burner.

Officials of the Committee for Gilad�s Release told Israel Radio on Thursday that Olmert told the nation he would not agree to a Gaza ceasefire agreement that did not include Gilad, but at the end of the day, he did just that.

Mr. Noam Shalit, Gilad�s father, told reporters on Wednesday that he blames Prime Minister Ehud Barak and other government officials for his son�s prolonged captivity, and questions how the cabinet permits itself to carry one �business as usual� while his son, an IDF soldier, remains in Hamas� hands.

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)