Gantz insists that easing the Gaza siege must be met with calm

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz warned on Wednesday night that easing the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip must be met with calm, Sama news agency has reported. He added that easing the siege will lead to an improvement in the lives of the Palestinians in Gaza, who have been under a strict Israeli-led blockade for 15 years.

“However, if this [calm] is not achieved,” warned Gantz in an interview with Israel’s Channel 12 TV, “we know how to take countermeasures.”

Early on Wednesday, the Israeli occupation authorities announced a series of measures to ease the restrictions imposed on the Gaza Strip. They said that they will extend the fishing zone to 15 nautical miles, increase water supplies and allow more Palestinian traders and goods to enter Israel through the “completely open” Kerem Shalom Crossing.

The number of Palestinian merchants with permits to pass through the Erez Crossing into Israel will be increased from 2,000 to 7,000.

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