Israel to upgrade Hawara Crossing

NIS 5 million will be invested to ease Palestinians' passage at W. Bank border.

By YAAKOV KATZ
women at hawara 298 (photo credit: AP [file])
women at hawara 298
(photo credit: AP [file])
In an effort to improve the quality of life in the West Bank, the IDF and the Civil Administration have allocated NIS 5 million to upgrade the Hawara Crossing south of Nablus, the main passageway between Ramallah northern Samaria. Head of the Civil Administration in Nablus Lt.-Col. Fuad Halhal said Monday that NIS 2.5 million was being used to widen the crossing from two to four lanes to allow quicker inspection and passage of Palestinians cars. Over a million Palestinians cross through Hawara annually. In addition, the IDF has built a large parking lot on the side of the crossing for Palestinian taxis and buses. In the past, the crossing would be blocked sometimes for hours by taxis and buses dropping off and picking up passengers on both sides. "This is being done to improve the quality of life for the Palestinians," Halhal said. "A larger crossing with parking lots on the side will mean that Palestinians will be able to cross through quicker." In a second stage, the IDF plans to invest NIS 2.5 million in upgrading the pedestrian crossing by adding a bathroom and a drinking fountain. The IDF also plans to construct a roof over the crossing to provide shade for the pedestrians and to protect them from rain. Halhal said the proj ect would be completed in three months.