Following a joint Israel-Palestinian Authority security meeting at the Erez junction in Gaza last night, Israel agreed to ease restrictions on Arab residents of Gaza and Bethlehem. Despite the fact that Arabs continue to attack Jews in Gaza on a daily basis – yesterday mortar shells were fired at a Gush Katif community damaging a private home – Gazan Arabs will once again be allowed to travel throughout Gaza. In addition there will be in an increase in the number of laborers allowed to enter pre-1967 Israel. Under the Bethlehem arrangement, merchants, businessmen, and clergymen would be allowed to enter into pre-1967 Israel. In addition, teachers would be allowed to travel to nearby neighborhoods for work. IDF Central Command officials, who represented Israel at the meeting, defended their decision to lower restrictions in Bethlehem citing a relative sense of quiet in the area since the PA assumed security control of the town. Israeli officials promise additional restrictions should the situation remain calm.