Israel relaxes Gaza curbs as protests against blockade continue
Jerusalem, Sep 1 (EFE).- Israel eased some restrictions on the Gaza Strip Wednesday, after nights of protests against the years-long blockade on the enclave.
The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) said it decided to extend the fishing zone to 15 nautical miles and fully reopen the Kerem Shalom Crossing, through which goods and equipment enter the strip.
The drinking water supply to the coastal enclave is to be increased, according to COGAT, the Israeli military body that manages civilian issues in the occupied Palestinian territories.
In addition, the number of Gazan merchants passing through the Erez crossing will be raised to 7,000, but permits will be issued only to those vaccinated or recovered from the coronavirus.
COGAT’s measures, which will take effect Wednesday, comes after four consecutive nights of protests by Palestinians along the separating fence with the Israeli territory.
The protests ended in violence and left dozens injured.
In May, the Israeli army and Palestinian militants fought for 11 days, in which 260 people were killed in Gaza and 13 others in Israel. It also left millions of dollars worth of damage in the strip.
The battle ended on May 21, after Egypt brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the strip’s de facto ruler.EFE
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