Israel to relax curbs as tension eases on Gaza border

Tel Aviv: An Israeli official announced that the country has decided to relax restrictions on the border a year after observing an improvement in the security situation. Israel will authorise the entry of Palestinian traders and goods from Gaza.

The Israeli military body responsible for civil affairs in the occupied Palestinian territories, COGAT said that 1000 merchants and 350 senior Gazan businesspeople will be allowed into Israel from Sunday, reported Arab News.

Israel already expanded the fishing zone off Gaza in late July and resumed imports into the territory for international aid projects.

Exports from the Gaza Strip into Israel will recommence through the Kerem Shalom crossing. And imports from Israel into the Gaza strip will be expanded. Equipment and goods will be allowed in for the Gaza Strip's humanitarian infrastructure, such as water and sewage, said the COGAT spokeswoman to AFP.

The organisation reiterated that the relaxations are conditional on the continued preservation of the region's security. The entry permits will be given to only those who are vaccinated against Covid-19 or recovered from the infection.

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