JERUSALEM (AP) - An Israeli news site reports that Israel's Defense Ministry has recommended a partial lifting of the embargo on Gaza.
YNet reports the move is meant as a goodwill gesture toward the Palestinians to spur talks to free a long-held captive soldier.
Israel has been linking the opening of Gaza's borders to the release of Sgt. Gilad Schalit, an Israeli soldier held by Hamas militants for three years. Hamas has been pushing for a deal to trade him for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
Israel imposed a near-total embargo of the Gaza Strip in 2007 after Hamas militants violently took control of the territory.
YNet reports that the proposal had been drafted by defense officials and awaits the approval of Defense Minister Ehud Barak.
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