Israel to change rules for civilians bringing aid to Gaza

Michal Zippori
CNN

[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/WORLD/meast/06/17/israel.security.aid/t1larg.aid.gaza.gi.jpg caption="Israeli officers stand by aid at Ashdod port unloaded from humanitarian ships boarded by troops on May 31, 2010." width=300 height=169]

Jerusalem– Israel's security Cabinet said Thursday it would "liberalize" the system that allows civilians to bring aid to Gaza.

The decision comes after an international outcry over Israel's handling of ships carrying aid to Gaza last month.

A flotilla of ships trying to break Israel's blockade of Gaza was stopped by naval vessels on May 31. Nine people on one of the ships were killed when the Israeli military boarded it and gunfire broke out.

Israel says its troops were attacked with knives, metal poles and other objects.

The security Cabinet said it would "continue existing security procedures to prevent the inflow of weapons and war materiel." Palestinian officials quickly dismissed Israel's move.