Israel approved a series of steps on Wednesday to relax restrictions on the Gaza Strip that were imposed since the IDF’s “Operation Guardian of the Walls” took place between May 10-21.
The easing includes expanding Gaza’s fishing zone to 15 nautical miles and raising the number of Gazan merchants permitted to enter Israel by 5,000 (to 7,000 total). It also increases the amount of water Israel will supply to the Gaza Strip by 5 million cubic meters.
COGAT is responsible for coordination with the Palestinian Authority.
Truckloads of cement, granite, marble, and other materials entered through the Kerem Shalom border crossing. It was the first time such materials were allowed since Operation Guardian of the Walls, Hebrew media reported.
Israel has been dealing with renewed border riots organized by Hamas over the last few weeks. An Israeli border guard died Monday from wounds sustained on Aug. 21 when he was shot at point-blank range by a terrorist on the Gaza border.
Last Saturday night, rioters burned tires and threw stun grenades and explosives at Israeli forces.
The IDF conducted airstrikes against Hamas targets on Sunday in response to those riots, with Israeli fighter jets striking a Hamas military compound used for training and the production of weapons as well as a tunnel near the Jabalya, just north of Gaza City.