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OPT: Hamas says Gaza commercial crossings to open Sunday

GAZA, Jun 21, 2008 (Xinhua via COMTEX News Network) -- Hamas-led interior ministry in Gaza said on Saturday that Israel will open commercial crossing points to the coastal strip on Sunday.

According to the Egyptian-brokered ceasefire, which came into effect on Thursday, the commercial crossing points are to open on Sunday, said Ihab al-Ghussein, spokesman of the deposed government.

Al-Ghussein said the six-month ceasefire deal, in its initial stage, will allow 30 percent of goods into Gaza.

After 10 days of the lull, Israel will resume sending other supplies to the Hamas-controlled territory 'except materials that Israel claims the resistance can use in producing rockets,' he added.

Israel imposed a siege and increased military operations in Gaza when Hamas took over the territory by force last June.

Meanwhile, Gaza fuel companies said on the third day of the ceasefire that the petrol shipments Israel sends to Gaza are still reduced.

Mahmoud al-Khozendar, deputy director of Palestinian Petrol Station Owners Union, demanded Israel to raise the fuel supplies to ordinary levels before the sanctions.