Israel's ban on the border crossings will be effectively lifted next week, allowing Palestinian convoys' passage from the Gaza Strip to the West Bank for a trial period, Ynet has learned Wednesday.
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| Israel opposes convoy passage from Gaza / Ronny Sofer |
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Israel refuses to allow passage of Palestinian convoys from Gaza to West Bank through Israel set for Thursday; insists PA take steps against terror before talks resume |
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U.S. Assistant Secretary of State David Welch announced in London that progress regarding negotiations on the issue was reached, and that by Thursday Israel would submit a schedule for the trial period, which was originally set to begin this week.
Sources in Jerusalem confirmed Welch's announcement and added that Israel now awaits inspection of the security arrangements in order for the convoys' passage to be completed.
"Once the security inspection is completed, the first convoy will be allowed to travel through, apparently sometime next week," one senior diplomatic official told Ynet.
Better function of PA at Rafah crossing
Meanwhile, the security establishment has reported an improvement in the functioning of the Palestinian forces stationed at the Rafah crossing.
Despite Israel's dissatisfaction over security arrangements at the crossing, and the slow rate of data transfer on travelers, the situation has shown progress in comparison to last week.
Nevertheless, Israel has relayed a demanded through European and American monitors to the Palestinians that data on passengers at the crossing will be transmitted online, and not in several minute delays as is currently done.
Easing restrictions
In addition to allowing the convoys' crossing, Israel has also continued to implement the easing of restrictions on Palestinians this week, in spite of the country's criticism over the Palestinian Authority's failure to act against Islamic Jihad, which was responsible for the Netanya terror attack in Netanya, and against Hamas cells that continue firing Qassams on southern Israel.
On Tuesday, Israel agreed to permit the entry of 24,500 Palestinian workers and 14,500 Palestinian merchants to the country.
This figure includes 1000 workers and 500 merchants from the West Bank who will also be allowed to enter Israel.
The easing of restrictions is a humanitarian gesture which will only apply to the population not directly involved with terror attacks or with firing rockets at Israel, a political source in Jerusalem stressed.
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