The commissioner-general of the U.N. refugee agency, Filipo Grandi says, the crisis in the Gaza Strip is more than just a humanitarian situation. He says,that Gazans need to be able to import and export goods to boost the economy and give the people there a "normal life." Grandi reiterated the U.N. position on the situation, which calls for Israel to lift the Gaza blockade. Israel has eased its land blockade of Gaza in response to international outrage triggered by its deadly commando raid on a flotilla of ships carrying aid to Gaza three weeks ago. But Israel says, the sea blockade will remain in force to prevent Hamas militants and supporters from smuggling weapons into Gaza. Israel, the U.S. and some members of the international community consider Hamas a terrorist organization.