BICOM

Israeli authorities have announced that travel restrictions will be eased to allow a greater number of Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip to travel during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which started yesterday.

The measures, approved by IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot, were announced by Maj Gen Yoav Mordechai, the coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Unit (COGAT), which oversees civilian movement between Israel and the Palestinian areas of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The measures allow up to 500 Palestinians from Gaza to attend Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, while hundreds of Palestinians will be able to travel between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in order to be with family. Up to 300 Palestinians living abroad will also be able to visit Gaza.

Mordechai said that the measures conform to “Israeli civil policy striving to improve the quality of life for Palestinians… including maintaining freedom of religion”. Meanwhile, a COGAT spokeswoman said that “[border] crossings will be open for prayers, as the activity hours of the crossings will be prolonged”. The statement added that Mordechai had “updated officials of the Palestinian Authority and the international community on these steps for the holiday”.

Meanwhile, the Jerusalem Municipality is implementing improved travel services and a number of cultural initiatives in Arab areas of the city during the month of Ramadan, while festive lighting has been installed in a number of neighbourhoods.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat said: “This year, we have invested in improving the city’s appearance and infrastructure and producing cultural events in honour of Ramadan and for the enjoyment of residents in an unprecedented way.”

Barkat added: “We will continue to do all we can to ensure that the month of Ramadan will be fulfilling for Muslim residents and visitors of the city.”