Obama to hold key talks with Netanyahu

Washington, 06 July-(ANA)-US President Barack Obama is due to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington.

They are expected to discuss a range of issues, including Iran's nuclear programme and efforts to start direct Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

The meeting comes a day after Israel confirmed it would allow more consumer goods to enter the Gaza Strip.

But it said items including weapons and materials that could have a military use would be barred or limited.

The White House, EU and Britain have welcomed the move as a "significant step" forward.

But Hamas, which has been controlling Gaza since 2007, dismissed the concessions as of no use and said the blockade should be fully lifted.

Israel says its blockade of the Palestinian territory is needed to prevent the supply of weapons to Hamas.(ANA)

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