A shipment of 350 head of cattle is on its way to Gaza marking the end of a nine month beef embargo, according to Haaretz. Sources involved in the matter said that the resumption of beef supply to Gaza was due to U.S. pressure on Israel to ease security-driven restrictions and Sunday’s visit to Egypt by Defense Minister Ehud Barak.

Gaza authorities said they are making preparations for the importation of an additional 4,000 cattle next week.