Israel has confiscated seven oxygen machines bound for hospitals in the Gaza Strip, claiming that they might have non-medical applications.

The Norwegian Development Agency had donated the machines to the besieged people of Gaza, Palestinian Maan news agency reported on Saturday.

Tel Aviv has said that the medical equipment could be used for "non-medical purposes."

The Palestinian Authority Ministry of Health issued a statement on Saturday, asking Norway to demand the immediate release of the oxygen machines.

"Any delay in obtaining the medical equipment will negatively affect the health of patients," the statement said.

The seizure comes as Israel claims it has eased its three-year siege on the coastal strip, saying it is now letting humanitarian aid and other basic supplies enter the Palestinian territory.

Israeli officials had announced that they would only stop arms and weapons-related material from entering Gaza.

Reports say hundreds of Palestinians in the strip have died due to lack of medical equipment and medicine over the course of the past three years.

(Press TV)