JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israeli defense officials approved the transfer of more construction materials into the Gaza Strip.

Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon approved the transfer and directed the coordinator of government activities in the territories, Maj.-Gen. Eitan Dangot, to allow in about 1,000 tons of construction materials for United Nations projects and storm damage restoration projects caused by a snowstorm in December, the Defense Ministry said Sunday in a statement.

The entry of building materials had been curtailed in October, a month after Israel began permitting more construction material into Gaza, when a tunnel from Gaza to Israel was discovered that had been constructed using 500 tons of cement.

The snowstorm reportedly displaced some 40,000 Gazans from their homes.

Hamas, which heads the Gaza government, claimed responsibility for the tunnel. The tunnel reportedly was to be used to further terrorist operations in Israel and contained explosives.