GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Israel eased some economic restrictions imposed on the Gaza Strip on June 20, for the first time since the round of violence with the Palestinian factions came to an end on May 21. There are, however, some indicators that things might head toward reescalation — not militarily but through popular movements.

In a June 20 press statement, the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) General Authority for Civil Affairs in Gaza announced that Israel allowed Palestinians that were stuck in Jordan to return home through the Erez crossing. It also allowed the resumption of incoming and outgoing mail to the Gaza Strip, the export of agricultural crops and sewing factory products. This comes after a ban that entered into effect on May 11.

The head of the authority, Hussein al-Sheikh, said in the same statement, “We hope that easing some restrictions will be a prelude to completely lifting the blockade on our people in the southern governorates [Gaza].”

On June 22, Hamas met with Tor Wennesland, the UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, and his delegation in Gaza City, in a bid to advance the UN efforts to stabilize the cease-fire and alleviate the siege on Gaza. The meeting, however, ended on a bad note, with tension arising again.