Israel will allow 20 daily truckloads of construction material into Gaza for use in the private sector, Israel Radio reported Wednesday. The transportation of the material will start next week.

The agreement also includes authorization for heavy construction equipment, including trucks and buses.

Israel first imposed its blockade on Gaza in 2006. That closure became nearly total blockade a year later when Hamas took control of the strip, and only basic goods were allowed into the occupied territory.

Since 2010, construction material for projects by international aid agencies has been allowed into the Gaza Strip.

Exports from Gaza remains highly restricted, as does the movement of people.

dr/mr (AFP, dpa)