Israel will allow gradual and controlled entry of goods to Gaza through local merchants, COGAT, the Israeli military agency that coordinates aid, said on Tuesday. “This aims to increase the volume of aid entering the Gaza Strip, while reducing reliance on aid collection by the UN and international organizations,” the agency said. On Sunday, Hamas said it was prepared to coordinate with the Red Cross to deliver aid to hostages it holds in Gaza, if Israel meets certain conditions, after a video it released showing an emaciated captive drew sharp criticism from Western powers.

Hamas has caved and said is conditionally ready to deliver Red Cross aid to the hostages it is holding in Gaza.

Israel will allow Gaza merchants to bring aid into the Gaza Strip for the first time since the fighting resumed in March. The Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the…