In substantive lifting of blockade, Israel OKs 250 tons of raw materials to upgrade Gaza plant

Israel OKs tons of materials in Gaza plant upgrade

JERUSALEM — Israel says it is allowing the largest shipment of construction materials into Gaza since its deadly raid on an international flotilla in May.

Israel banned construction material from Gaza under a blockade imposed after militant Hamas seized power in 2007.

Military spokesman Guy Inbar says 250 tons of pipes, iron and other materials began to enter Monday to upgrade a Gaza City waste treatment plant.

Gaza water official Maher Najjar says the upgraded plant will be able to treat 20 million gallons (75 million liters) of waste a day, nearly double the current level.

Israel’s raid on a blockade-busting flotilla carrying aid and activists killed nine Turkish citizens. Israel eased the blockade under international pressure over the raid.