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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during

the weekly cabinet meeting at his office in Jerusalem.

The United States firmly backs Israel's plans to ease its Gaza blockade and believes they will greatly improve living conditions in the Palestinian enclave, a White House statement said.

 

The strong support came as Israel fleshed out its plans to say they would allow all strictly "civilian" goods into Gaza while preventing a specific list of weapons and dual-use items from entering the Hamas-run territory.

 

"We believe that the implementation of the policy announced by the government of Israel today should improve life for the people of Gaza, and we will continue to support that effort going forward," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said in a statement.

 

"We urge all those wishing to deliver goods to do so through established channels so that their cargo can be inspected and transferred via land crossings into Gaza," Gibbs said.

 

"There is no need for unnecessary confrontations, and we call on all parties to act responsibly in meeting the needs of the people of Gaza."

 

Israel's decision to ease the blockade was first announced on Thursday but more detail was given on Sunday by government spokesman Mark Regev.

 

"From now on, there is a green light approval for all goods to enter Gaza except for military items and materials that can strengthen Hamas's military machine," Regev said.

 

The new policy is a response to mounting calls to ease Israel's four-year siege on the impoverished enclave after Israeli forces killed nine activists during a May 31 raid on a flotilla of aid ships attempting to run the blockade.

 

The decision was formally announced following a meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Middle East Quartet envoy Tony Blair, who has been spearheading discussions on easing the closures.

 

"The practical effect of this should change radically the flow of goods and material into Gaza," Blair said in a statement.

 

The US State Department had already given a cautious welcome to the plans but following Regev's announcement, the White House went further in welcoming the new policy and pledged US assistance in its implementation.

 

"There is more to be done, and the president looks forward to discussing this new policy, and additional steps, with Prime Minister Netanyahu during his visit to Washington on July 6," Gibbs said.

 

President Barack Obama's chief of staff Rahm Emanuel announced that meeting earlier and spoke of a "moment of opportunity" for the Mideast peace process amid constant US efforts to prop up indirect talks between the two sides.

 

AFP/fa