The Israeli security Cabinet’s decision on the Karni crossing, usually open only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, marks a departure from the status quo regarding the ongoing blockade on the Gaza Strip.

Palestinian liaison official Raed Fattouh said 96 truckloads of goods were set to be delivered to Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing in the southern Gaza Strip, with two of the trucks loaded with equipment for Palestinian power authorities.

Limited diesel and domestic-use gas supplies will also enter via the same crossing, as the Nahal Oz fuel terminal remains closed.

A convoy of 122 trucks were set to enter the Karni crossing east of Gaza City, where conveyor belts transfer bulk goods into the blockaded enclave. Before the blockade in 2007, some 10,000 truckloads of goods per month were delivered into the region.

On Sunday, the Israeli government announced moves to loosen the land blockade, but said it would continue its naval lockdown and prevent military equipment from entering the territory.

Following a security cabinet meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office released a statement that listed steps to relax the siege, which include expanding the inflow of goods and easing the procedures for people to enter or leave the enclave.

Israel reserves the right to decide what type of goods are allowed into Gaza, but has agreed to let more in.

According to a Cabinet communiqué, the new siege policy will lead to a list of banned items being published, which will include military equipment and items that could be converted for use in any armed excursions.

Hamas movement in Gaza said Israel's decision to ease the siege was simply another maneuver to avoid ending it outright.

The group, which controls the Gaza Strip, added that the decision was an attempt to legitimize the blockade and mislead the international community.

However, Netanyahu on Monday claimed Israel had decided to lift the siege on civilians in Gaza while maintaining a "strict" military blockade on Hamas.

"By implementing a military siege which does not affect civilians, Hamas would not be able to accuse Israel of targeting residents," he said.

More construction materials will be allowed into Gaza after being approved by the Palestinian government.

The statement added that construction projects would be subject to international supervision, including those belonging to the United Nations.

Since the Israeli operation Cast Lead, which took place the Gaza Strip last year, Israel had permitted only a limited amount of building materials to be allowed into the area.