Israel is to lift restrictions and allow journalists free access to the Gaza Strip which was badly battered during 23-day Israeli onslaught.

"From January 23, 2009, Erez crossing will resume to facilitate normal passage of journalists from Israel to the Gaza Strip," reads an Israeli defense ministry statement released on Thursday.

The statement adds that the border crossing -- situated in the north of the Palestinian territory -- will be open all weekdays except for Saturdays.

Israel has enforces a full-scale ban on the entry of journalists into Gaza since the beginning of its offensive into the strip on December 27. Tel Aviv had also imposed restrictions on the media prior to its military operations.

The Foreign Press Association responded to the ban by filing a court challenge in which it accused Israel of restricting the freedom of the press.

Late Saturday, Tel Aviv announced a 'unilateral ceasefire' that did not include any negotiations with Hamas and would keep Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip with an authorization to open fire on Palestinians when troops consider it necessary.

While Hamas initially rejected the ceasefire, it announced a lull of its own and gave Israel an ultimatum to withdraw from the Palestinian territory within a week.

Hamas also demanded that Israel open all the border crossings into Gaza to allow in "the basic needs of the people", including food, medical supplies and other goods.

At least 1,330 Palestinians lost their lives and more than 5,450 others sustained wounds during the 23-day Israeli incursion into the Gaza Strip.

MP/AA