IDF to ease restrictions on W. Bank for upcoming Christian holidays
Up to 5,000 Palestinian Christians will be allowed to enter Israel to participate in religious ceremonies.
By Haaretz ServiceIn a statement issued on Tuesday morning, the Israeli Defense Forces announced it intends to ease restrictions on the Palestinian population in the West Bank and Jordan valley in November, in preparation for the upcoming Christian holidays.
"As part of the IDF policy and effort to ease restrictions," the statement said, the IDF will authorize "2,000 merchants to enter Israel, in addition to the 10,000 already authorized."
The statement also said the IDF will provide authorization for 1,000 additional workers to enter the country.
Finally, the statement said, the IDF will authorize the entry of as many as 5,000 West Bank and Jordan Valley Christians into Israel on specific dates for the purpose of participating in religious ceremonies.
Still, the statement conditioned the easing of restrictions on the security of Israeli citizens.
"The IDF will continue to make every effort to preserve the daily life of the Palestinian population, while maintaining the safety of the citizens of Israel," the statement read.
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Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem. (File photo) |
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