In a sudden move, Israel on April 1 expanded the allowed fishing zone off Gaza’s coast to 15 nautical miles around the south near Egypt, and to 12 nautical miles in the center of the strip. The allowed zone, up from 9 miles before a recent closure, is the farthest offshore distance allowed in over two decades.

Israel’s crossings with Gaza — Erez and Kerem Shalom — were opened once again March 31, and the supply of diesel to operate the Gaza power plant has been renewed. Israel is also expected to allow Gaza to increase its exports and imports in the coming days.

These Israeli measures came after Hamas and Israel reached an understanding March 29 whereby Hamas is to keep weekly protests at least 300 meters from the border, prevent the launching of incendiary balloons and kites toward southern Israel and stop the nightly riots in return for an easing of restrictions on the blockaded strip.

According to multiple Hamas sources, major long-term economic projects for Gaza are expected to follow after the Israeli elections, including: upgrading Gaza’s gas and electricity infrastructure with Israeli and Qatari assistance, establishing a trade zone at the Egyptian Rafah border area and a number of commercial and industrial projects there, building solar farms on the outskirts of Gaza, employment programs, and the construction of desalination plants along with other projects.