The security-diplomatic cabinet decided Thursday to partially ease the blockade on Gaza.

The Security Cabinet announced that it had conducted an "extensive discussion" over the last two days regarding "adjustments in Israel’s Gaza policy."

The cabinet decided to liberalize the system by which civilian goods enter Gaza; expand the inflow of materials for civilian projects that are under international supervision, and continue existing security procedures to prevent the inflow of weapons and war materiel.

At this stage, the decision is only declaratory, but “the cabinet will convene soon to decide on steps to implement this policy.”

The Prime Minister's Bureau ended its announcement of the decision by announcing that “Israel expects the international community to act for the immediate release of Gilad Shalit.”

Meanwhile, Israel and the United Nations have reached an agreement regarding the transfer of the humanitarian aid that arrived on the illegal flotilla two weeks ago. The UN Secretary General’s representative, Robert H. Serry, informed Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), Maj. Gen. Eitan Dangot, that the UN will arrange for the transfer of the goods into Gaza, and will supervise the way that they are used.

The entrance of the humanitarian aid into Gaza was delayed by the Hamas terror organization, which did not allow the goods to enter Gaza.

The IDF will continue to coordinate the transfer of merchandise, other goods and medical equipment to Gaza, the IDF website said.