(JNS.org) Israel on Wednesday resumed the delivery of construction materials into the Gaza Strip, after a pause following the discovery of a massive underground smuggling tunnel near Kibbutz Ein Hashlosha in mid-October.

The decision to allow the materials into the Gaza Strip was made by Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, following requests from international groups and figures, among them U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. In light of Ban’s request, Ya’alon directed Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Maj. Gen. Eitan Dangot to work with U.N. envoy Robert Serry to formulate a mechanism that will ensure the materials are not taken by Hamas.

Dangot and Serry decided to implement a system of oversight and supervision over the delivery of construction materials earmarked for only U.N.-funded projects. The mechanism will consist of supervision over U.N.-affiliated workers on the various building projects, which will include Israel receiving periodic photographs and reports.