IDF eases restrictions for Palestinians
Army approves entry of additional 4,000 Palestinian workers from West Bank into Israel and another 2,000 from Gaza; Palestinian officer says, 'I spent 3 hours at checkpoints because of so-called eased restrictions'
The IDF approved a series of eased restrictions Sunday for the Palestinian population in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
An additional 4,000 workers from the West Bank will be allowed to enter Israel, as well as another 2,000 from the Gaza Strip.
In addition, the army will allow the entry of 500 worshippers for the Christian holidays on Sunday and Thursday. The entry of 1,000 merchants from Gaza and another 500 from the West Bank were also approved.
At present, 23,000 Palestinian workers and 15,000 merchants have permits to enter Israel.
However, despite these new conditions, the Palestinians are not in a hurry to celebrate and have responded sarcastically to the new decision. They claim the decision was not made for the good of those who endure security checkpoints on a daily basis, but rather for Israel's international image.
One Palestinian officer told Ynet that it usually takes him about two hours to travel from Jenin to Ramallah. However, he has now received reports that new checkpoints have been set up along the way.
"Despite the 'eased restrictions' it took me five hours instead of two to reach Ramallah. How lucky we are to have eased restrictions, otherwise it would have taken me more than one day to reach Ramallah," he said.
Ali Waked contributed to the report
