Report: Israel mulling easing Gaza embargo

Occupied Jerusalem: An Israeli news website says Israel is considering a partial lifting of the embargo on Gaza in hopes of aiding talks to free a long-held captive soldier.

Friday's report in YNet said Israel would increase supplies of coffee, tea, soups, meat, fish and canned goods into Gaza ahead of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, which starts in August.
Israel is also to renew shipments of fuel, clothing, kitchenware and egg-laying chickens.

Israel imposed a near-total embargo of the Gaza Strip in 2007 after Hamas took control.

YNet reported that the proposal had been drafted by defense officials and now awaits the approval of Defense Minister Ehud Barak.

The defence ministry would not officially comment on the report.