Israel on Wednesday eased restrictions on Gaza, approving 2,000 extra travel permits for merchants and expanding the territory’s fishing zone from 10 to 15 nautical miles.
The Office of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) said on Tuesday in a statement: “In light of the relative calm in the Gaza envelope in recent days and the cessation of explosive balloons, it was decided after a security consultation to restore the civilian measures that were halted last weekend”.
The statement continued: “The continuation of this policy will be determined by action on the ground. Hamas is responsible for what is happening in Gaza and from Gaza. If the calm is not preserved, Israel will act accordingly”.
On 5th February, Israel reduced the fishing zone to 10 nautical miles, and on 1st February it revoked some 500 travel permits for Gaza merchants due to an increase in violence towards Israel.
