Egypt has allowed a shipment of construction materials to enter the Gaza Strip through its territory for the first time in 5 years.
Thousands of tonnes of supplies donated by the Gulf state of Qatar were allowed to reach Gaza through Egypt.
Egypt had previously been following strict import restrictions imposed by Israel.
The recent ceasefire deal between Israel and Gaza’s political representatives, Hamas, has allowed for a relaxing of the import laws.
An Egyptian security official told the Associated Press that the shipment was made in consultation with Israeli officials.
The head of the Hamas government’s media office, Ehab-alGhsain, welcomed Egypt’s efforts to stop the blockade, and said
"We hope that Egypt will open this crossing permanently for goods so our people can meet their needs.”
Since the blockade was first imposed, an extensive network of tunnels between Egypt and Gaza has been responsible for the transport of items to Palestinians. Though Egypt has launched periodic crackdowns on these movements, Egyptian security forces have been inclined to ignore the movement of essential items, such as construction materials and fuel.
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