GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- The Hamas government in Gaza is studying the possibility of an internal sea transport connection to reduce congestion in the coastal territory, officials said Tuesday.

Gaza Minister of Transportation Osama al-Eisawi made the comments during a meeting with Mahfouth Kabariti, head of the federation of fishermen.

The transport ministry is considering several ways to reduce traffic in Gaza, with one of the options to operate a sea transport line, al-Eisawi said.

Owners of tourism and private vessels should be trained on international regulations related to navigation and safety requirements, Kabariti said.

The federation of fishermen has obtained funds to light Gaza port's using solar energy and sixteen solar panels have already been installed with funds from an Italian organization, he added.