Israel cabinet agrees to ease Gaza blockade
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Ministers of the Israeli security cabinet on Thursday reached agreement after days of debate on a proposal to ease the blockade on the Gaza Strip, said Israeli Prime Minister's office.
In a statement released on Thursday morning, the Israeli government agreed to expand the range of goods that could enter Gaza. It emphasized that the materials are for civilian projects and the transfer will be under international supervision.
On the other hand, Israeli authorities will continue to implement existing security measures, so as to prevent weapons and the so-called "war materiel" from reaching the Palestinian coastal enclave.
In the coming days, the ministers will deliberate on the steps to relax the lockdown.
The statement also called for the release of Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier kidnapped by Gaza militants in 2006.
The decision came after the May 31 incident, where Israeli navy commandos boarded a pro-Palestinian international aid flotilla and clashed with activists on one of the ships. The bloodshed, which claimed nine civilians, brought about a chorus of criticism against Israel. The international community has since been pressuring Israel to life or ease the Gaza siege.
Israel has imposed a tight blockade on Gaza since the Islamic Hamas movement forcibly seized the territory in 2007.
