For the first time in five years, the Israeli military will not close the Palestinian West Bank crossings during Purim.
Such closures are standard practice during Israeli national holidays and Jewish festivals, for what the military says is a preventative measure against attacks at those times, which are seen as periods of increased tension.
According to the military’s liaison to the Palestinians, the crossings between the West Bank, as well as the Gaza Strip, and Israel will be running as usual in the coming days.
Ordinarily, tens of thousands of Palestinians from the West Bank enter Israel and Israeli settlements for work each day.
A smaller number of Gaza residents also travel to Israel for work and medical cases, but there are far more restrictions for those trying to enter the country from the Hamas-run enclave.
The festival of Purim begins this evening.
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From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
