The Obama administration praised a decision by the government of Israel on Sunday to relax their military blockade on the port of Gaza.

After a late May engagement by the Israeli military to prevent a flotilla carrying supplies from entering gaza resulted in the deaths of nine, the Israeli cabinet voted to ease the blockade to allow most supplies through with the exception of military supplies.

"Today, the United States welcomes the new policy towards Gaza announced by the Government of Israel, which responds to the calls of many in the international community," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said in a statement. "Once implemented, we believe these arrangements should significantly improve conditions for Palestinians in Gaza, while preventing the entry of weapons."