Israel’s new list of goods banned from Gaza limited to weapons, materials with military use

Israel approves new list of goods banned from Gaza

JERUSALEM — An official says Israel is easing the blockade of Gaza by replacing a list of allowed items with a list of banned goods limited to weapons and materials deemed to have military uses.

The official says Israel’s Security Cabinet approved the new system on Sunday. He said it means practically all non-military items can enter Gaza freely. For the past three years, Israel has allowed only basic humanitarian supplies in. No new list was released.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because no announcement has been made.

An Israeli raid on a flotilla carrying supplies and pro-Palestinian activists on May 31 has focused attention on the blockade and led to demands to lift or ease it. Israeli commandos killed nine activists.