Gantz says Israel mulling easing restrictions for Palestinians during Ramadan ‘depending on security situation’

Defense Minister Benny Gantz issues a message to the Palestinians as Ramadan begins, saying Israel is examining what steps it can take to ease restrictions amid the holy Muslim month, “depending on the security situation.”

“At the beginning of the month of Ramadan, I would like to wish a Ramadan Kareem to all Palestinians in Judea and Samaria and the Gaza Strip,” Gantz says in a video message on Facebook.

“Unfortunately, we are in a difficult period of terror attacks on the citizens of Israel, a reality we can not accept, and we are working against it with force and determination,” he says.

“We are currently examining what steps we can take towards Ramadan, to allow you to celebrate the holiday in the best possible way, while first and foremost maintaining security,” Gantz says.

Gantz says Israel has been holding talks with the Palestinian Authority in order to implement moves “aimed at improving the quality of life and the economy” in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

“We want [these moves], I’m sure most Palestinians are interested in them too,” he says.