Israel eases closure around West Bank and Gaza

Israel decided on Monday night to partially ease the closure around the West Bank. The more lax restrictions would permit passage of 28,000 workers from Judea and Samaria into Israel. An additional 9,500 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip were allowed to enter Israel. Israel Radio reported that the freer travel conditions were not extended to Jenin and Tulkarm, which remain under closure since the suicide bombing in Netanya last week.