Gaza: Israel reopened border crossings with the Gaza Strip on Friday, easing tensions a day after Prime Minister Ehud Olmert issued a "last-minute" warning to Hamas militants to stop firing rockets or pay a heavy price.

Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak said he ordered the crossings opened for "essential humanitarian" supplies, in response to numerous requests from the international community.

Palestinian workers at the crossings said fuel had arrived for Gaza's main power plant and trucks loaded with grain had crossed into the impoverished enclave, which has been under a tight Israeli blockade since Hamas took control in 2007.

Raed Fattouh, coordinator of supplies, said about 90 trucks loaded with grain, humanitarian aid and goods for the private sector were due to come in to Gaza during the day.

The deliveries may ease tensions that Israeli media said would inevitably end in significant military action to end rocket attacks.

Tension has mounted since a six-month truce expired last week and exchanges of fire increased. At least six militants have been killed by Israeli air strikes. On Wednesday over 80 rockets and mortar shells were fired from Gaza into Israel.

 

Source : Reuters