Netanyahu says Gaza crossings to be shut

Gaza border crossings will remain closed until kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit returns home, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu made the statement at a meeting with visiting U.S. National Security Adviser James Jones in Jerusalem Wednesday night, Israeli media reports said.

Netanyahu stressed humanitarian assistance will continue to be transferred to the Gaza Strip daily, Israeli media reports said.

Israel Wednesday permitted the transfer of cement and construction material into Gaza for the first time since Operation Cast Lead, the army said.

A decision by Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Netanyahu to allow the building products through does not signify a change in government policy, Maariv quoted a government official as saying. More