Israeli cabinet is expected to vote today to significantly ease restrictions on Gaza Strip. The security cabinet in its meeting yesterday failed to reach a decision. Israeli media Haaretz, quoting a minister reports that Israel is expected to ease restrictions on land crossings. However, the naval blockade that was at the root of the May 31 raid will remain intact because Israel wants to ensure weapons cannot be shipped into Gaza. The measures are expected to focus on consolidating a list of goods that will not be allowed into Gaza. All goods that do not appear on that list would be transferred into the coastal strip. In addition, the plan will allow construction materials meant for use only by the United Nations. Israel imposed the blockade on Gaza citing security reasons after Hamas, which does not recognize Israel’s right to exist, ousted the Fatah movement in the Strip in 2007.