IDF opens Kalkilya crossing, roadblock

Army says central checkpoint near Nablus will now operate 24 hours a day, easing movement in area.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
roadblock 248.88 (photo credit: IDF [file])
roadblock 248.88
(photo credit: IDF [file])
The IDF on Friday opened the 422 crossing and the Ha'ble roadblock, located east and south of Kalkilya respectively, for free passage of Palestinian vehicles. Furthermore, the IDF said that Atzira a-Shamalia, a central checkpoint located near Nablus, would now operate 24 hours a day, easing movement in the area. The army said the steps were taken as a part of the goodwill measures authorized by the government and following meetings attended by OC Central Command Maj.-Gen. Gadi Shamni, the head of the Judea and Samaria Division; Brig.-Gen. Noam Tibon, civil administration head Brig.-Gen. Yoav Mordechai; and officials in the Palestinian security forces. The IDF said the steps were taken to increase the free movement of the Palestinian population and were in addition to over 140 roadblocks which were removed in the past year. The military stressed that it would continue to operate according to government decisions and on the basis of ongoing security assessments to further ease the daily lives of West Bank Palestinians, while continuing to fighting terror and ensuring the safety of Israeli citizens. Last week, the Rimonim roadblock east of Ramallah and the Bir Zeit roadblock were removed. Settlers fumed over that decision, with the Binyamin Citizen's Committee accusing Defense Minister Ehud Barak of "playing Russian roulette with the lives of the Jewish settlers."