JERUSALEM: Israel allowed the first truckloads of a rare shipment of construction materials into Gaza on Wednesday to allow the reconstruction of 10 privately owned factories, the Israeli military and Palestinian officials said.

Until now only international projects have been allowed to import such materials, which Israel restricts because of concerns they could be used by Gaza militants who regularly launch rockets at Israeli towns.

Hamas-ruled Gaza is subject to an Israeli and Egyptian blockade that includes restrictions on the movement of goods and people.

In Gaza, Palestinian government coordinator Raed Fattouh said the first two trucks with materials entered on Wednesday. The military says several dozen trucks will be allowed in.

Fattouh said the coming weeks would also see the export of agricultural products and several shipments of Gaza-made furniture in exceptions to the blockade. Permission was negotiated with Israel and international mediators. Israel significantly eased limits on imports last year but kept building materials on its list of restrictions.—AP