GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Israeli authorities said they would be allowing the entry of car oil and spare parts into Gaza on Monday for the first time since its blockade of the coastal territory was enforced in 2006, a Palestinian liaison official said.
Raed Fattouh said one terminal, the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza, would be open for the transfer of five truckloads of car parts and oil, as well as 165 truckloads of other goods.
The entry of car parts follows what Israel has termed an ease in its blockade policy of the Strip pursuant with international pressure to end its siege after Israeli commandos killed nine Turkish nationals on board a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, transporting goods banned by Israel to the coastal enclave.
In response, Israel published a list of permitted items following a cabinet meeting in June. The list also included a number of "dual use" items that will remain prohibited for entry into the Strip.
Car parts and oil were generally smuggled in from Egypt through Gaza's tunnel complex, built to sustain the population after the blockade was enforced, leading to high prices as many items remain scarce.
Fattouh further said limited quantities of industrial diesel and domestic-use gas would be pumped through the same terminal, adding that 155, 670 kg of fuel and 339,028 liters of cooking oil were pumped into the Strip on Sunday, as Gaza continues to face an electricity crisis.
Meanwhile, the official said, the Karni crossing in northern Gaza will remain closed.
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