Israel to reopen second border point into Gaza Strip

PanARMENIAN.Net - Israel plans to reopen a second border point for commercial traffic into the Gaza Strip, an official said on Monday, May 2, a step in gradually easing the blockade imposed on the Palestinian enclave since 2007, Reuters reports.

The decision to allow trucks through the Erez terminal, on Gaza's northeastern tip, was taken in recognition that a truce that ended the 2014 war against Hamas is holding, the official said.

Israel says its blockade prevents the movement of militants and stops construction materials that could be used by Hamas to make bunkers and tunnels. Palestinians there say they are under siege and are unable to rebuild homes destroyed by Israeli bombing.

Israel halted commercial traffic through Erez in 2000, after a Palestinian revolt erupted, and only passengers transit has been allowed since, Reuters says.

The official said details of its reopening were still being worked out, and gave no implementation date: "It won't be today or tomorrow."

Changing Gaza policy is politically sensitive in Israel, as Hamas, while holding fire, remains openly hostile toward it, so the announcement was kept low-key.

Regional powers Egypt and Turkey also have a close interest in what happens in Gaza. Egypt, which has the only other border with Gaza, has helped Israel maintain the blockade, deeming Hamas a threat. Turkey has said improving relations with Israel is dependent on the blockade ending.

Erez will eventually handle at least half of the around 600 trucks that go through Kerem Shalon daily, the official said.

Gaza is home to 1.95 million Palestinians, 80 percent of whom are dependent on aid, according to the United Nations.