Crossing reopened, permits cut

IDF lifts closure imposed on Gaza Strip in wake of Netanya suicide bombing, reopens Erez crossing; however, 7,000 entry permits cancelled, only 2,500 Palestinians to be allowed into Israel

By Ali Waked|Published: 08.01.05 , 00:58

GAZA – The IDF lifted Sunday the closure imposed on the Gaza Strip in the wake of the July 12 suicide bombing in Netanya, but the closure imposed on the West Bank was left intact.

The decision to remove the Gaza closure and reopen the Erez crossing was taken by government officials on the basis of security assessments.

However, the Palestinian Labor Ministry said that although the Erez crossing has been reopened to Palestinian laborers, Israel has drastically cut the number of entry permits, canceling 7,000 of them. As a result, only about 2,000 Palestinian laborers and another 500 merchants would be allowed into Israel Monday.

According to the Palestinians, Israel did not provide a reason for the cut in entry permits, but a Palestinian official said it appears Israel was seeking to create a “security cooling off period” aimed at Palestinian laborers, and particularly construction workers. Meanwhile, workers at the Erez industrial zone returned to regular work Sunday, the official said.

Israel eases age restrictions at Rafah crossing

IDF sources said that before the closure was imposed Israel provided an increasing number of permits in accordance with progress in talks between the two sides and a Palestinian counter-terrorism effort. At the peak of the process, 10,000 Palestinian laborers and thousands of merchants were allowed into Israel, the army said.

However, permit levels have been scaled back upon the reopening of the Erez crossing, but more permits would be provided if quiet is maintained, the army sources said.

Meanwhile, Israel has agreed, in an unusual move, to allow Palestinians below the age of 35 to leave Gaza to Egypt through the Rafah crossing. The understanding was reached following lengthy negotiations on the matter. A Palestinian official said the gesture would allow sick Palestinians, as well as students and those who hold visas to stay overseas to exit the Strip through Rafah.

Until now, Israel made it very difficult for Palestinians under the age of 35 to cross at Rafah due to security considerations. During the intifadah, Palestinians often reported difficulties in crossing through Rafah and delays of hours. Others said they received “offers they couldn’t refuse” to cooperate with Israeli security agents in exchange for a crossing permit.