Israel eases restrictions on US-bound Gazan travelers

Israel launches a new shuttle service for Gazans who need to travel to the US Consulate in Jerusalem — briefly easing one of the many restrictions placed on Palestinians who want to exit the blockaded territory.

Israel allows only a small number of Gazans to travel through Israel — mostly for medical care or other humanitarian grounds. It cites security considerations for the tight restrictions.

In recent months, it has barred Gazans from entering Israel for visa interviews at the US Consulate after some applicants fled into hiding in Israel or the West Bank to seek work. That has prevented several hundred people from applying at the Consulate for visas to travel or study in the US.

About 100 Palestinians traveled to Jerusalem on the shuttle service today.

— AP