Israel and Hamas reached Aug. 31 understandings for de-escalating tensions. Qatari envoy to the region Mohammed al-Emadi mediated the talks, under the auspices of Egypt and the United Nations. The news about the agreement came first from Hamas Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar. Israel did not explicitly confirm the agreement, but tacitly acknowledged it by promising to reopen the Gaza crossing point for commercial goods and the fishing zone if calm was maintained.
Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) said that following consultations with Defense Minister Benny Gantz, it was decided to reopen Sept. 1 the commercial Kerem Shalom crossing point into the Gaza Strip. Thus, goods and also fuel will be allowed to be transferred into Gaza. The COGAT office also announced that the Gaza fishing zone, which was limited to 8 nautical miles, would be increased again to 15 miles.