The number of entry permits for Palestinian workers from Gaza will increase to 20,000, Israel’s Defense Minister Benny Gantz told military reporters on Thursday.
Gantz further linked the implementation of any key civilian development projects in the coastal enclave with the return of Israelis held in Hamas captivity.
In June, Israel approved issuing 2,000 additional permits for Palestinian workers, raising the figure to 14,000, which later reached 20,000.
The Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee approved the decision following discussions.
This decision comes in line with Israel’s strategic plan to maintain calm.
In return for its implementation, the minister asked the Palestinian Authority to implement trust-building measures.
“We ask it to expand its security activity in in Area A and halt its petitions to the International Criminal Court at The Hague.”
According to Israeli sources, the plan is part of the government’s decision to maintain economic peace while ignoring political peace.
Israel seeks to pressure the ruling Hamas movement against any possible escalation by improving the economic situation in Gaza.
Earlier this year, the number of Gazan workers in Israel did not exceed 5,000. Since then, it has been rising by a few thousands every few months.
Political authorities believe the gradual increase in the number of Palestinian workers will prompt Hamas to consider any escalation since it will take into account that the thriving labor movement is a major factor in supporting the economy.
Workers bring to the enclave up to 90 million shekels per month, in light of the difficult and deteriorating economic situation there.
However, military authorities insist that when Hamas decides to escalate tension it will not consider any economic factor.
