The Hebrew newspaper Haaretz reported on Wednesday that Qatar has not yet decided whether it will increase economic aid to the Gaza Strip, as part of moves aimed at calming tension in the Strip.

According to the newspaper, the Hamas movement recently sent letters to Qatar demanding increased support for the residents of the Gaza Strip.

The newspaper quoted a source familiar with the talks as saying that there has not yet been any decision regarding the possibility of Qatar increasing its financial aid, stressing that the issue is under discussion.

The source expected that Israel would soon announce a significant increase in the workers’ quota, gradually over a period of time.

Meanwhile, another source familiar with the negotiations said that Israel will not announce an increase in the number of workers in the near future.

According to the newspaper, these moves aim to prevent escalation with the Gaza Strip in light of the economic hardship faced by the residents of the Strip.

An Israeli source told the Hebrew newspaper that the violent demonstrations on the border fence were a step aimed at obtaining economic benefits, and did not indicate any desire on the part of Hamas to enter into a military conflict.

The newspaper says: In "Israel" they believe that the recent deterioration in Gaza does not indicate a decline in deterrence against "Hamas", but rather a dramatic indication of the severe civilian distress in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli sources say that since Operation Guardian of the Walls (Saif al-Quds), Hamas has maintained almost complete restraint.