Kerem Shalom border crossing

The decision came after a few days of relative quiet, and following last week’s heavy exchange of fire between Hamas and Israel.

Official: No 'true agreement' without return of soldier's bodies, civilians

Many Israelis may hope for Gazans to protest on the street due to their poor economic situation – as we’ve seen done recently by disgruntled Iranians. But Gaza has been in dire straits for longer.

"So long as there is quiet, Gaza's residents will benefit," Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman said.

Naftali Bennett warned this was only a temporary arrangement that would allow Hamas to strengthen itself militarily in preparation for another round of violence with Israel.

The fishing area that had been restricted to three nautical miles will be expanded to nine miles.

“The decision was taken in light of the continued terror balloons and continued friction along the [border] fence,”

Haniyeh and the Hamas leaders are reported to have said that Hamas “was not interested in a military escalation” with Israel.

Will Israel lift or continue its harshest restrictions on Gaza?

Israel will continue to allow vital food and medicine to pass through the coastal enclave’s main commercial crossing.