GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — For the first time in more than a decade, Israel has allowed the export of products made in Gaza, bound for the Gulf, European and Israeli markets via the Kerem Shalom commercial crossing. Moreover, according to Dec. 29 reports by Palestinian and Israeli media outlets, Israel allowed some dual-use materials into Gaza. The moves followed a Dec. 26 announcement by Palestinian factions of a three-month suspension of weekly demonstrations on the border with Israel as part of the Great March of Return, launched in March 2018. After the suspension ends in March, protests will only be held once a month and on national occasions.

According to some observers, Israel appears to have viewed suspension of the demonstrations as a welcome sign of Hamas’ desire to reach a long-term truce agreement. The Israeli Security Cabinet had met on Dec. 29 to discuss “the calm” with Hamas, but did not disclose the results of the talks.

Hamas denies any contact with Israel with regard to the prevailing calm. A Hamas official who spoke to Al-Monitor on the condition of anonymity said the suspension of the protest marches was aimed at preventing demonstrators from being killed and at avoiding friction with the Israeli military independent of any future truce agreement. Also according to the source, “The economic incentives that Israel is trying to promote for the Gaza Strip do not meet the Palestinian demands that were submitted to the mediators over the past two years.”

Palestinians have variously sought an end to the blockade imposed on Gaza since June 2007, removal of bans on imports and exports, a 15-nautical-mile zone for fishing and resolution to the chronic electricity shortages plaguing the coastal enclave. The creation of job opportunities for the unemployed and for graduates and allowing the entry of Qatari funds amounting to $15 million a month to assist poor families were among the conditions Palestinian factions included in understandings reached with Israel in October 2018.