The IDF has completed the removal of some 40 barriers around Arab villages throughout Judea and Samaria, thus removing many restrictions on free travel for Palestinian Authority residents. Neighboring Jewish residents fear that terrorists will be able, as they have in the past, to commit shooting attacks and then return quickly to their villages without being caught. Approximately 100 more villages are still closed off.
In addition to the removal of the dirt barriers, several roads have been opened and more bus routes have been added for PA use. The IDF presence around the city of Shechem, long known as a terrorism center, is being relaxed. Until now, no one under 35 was permitted to exit, and the age limit has now been lowered to 30. IDF officials report that the relaxing of restrictions is part of an ongoing process. This was one of the promises made by Prime Minister Sharon to the Bush Administration during their recent negotiations over the disengagement.
"The attempts to improve the quality of life for the Palestinian population will continue, in accordance with security evaluations," according to an IDF spokesman, "on condition that terror organizations not take advantage of them to perpetrate terrorism."
In addition to the removal of the dirt barriers, several roads have been opened and more bus routes have been added for PA use. The IDF presence around the city of Shechem, long known as a terrorism center, is being relaxed. Until now, no one under 35 was permitted to exit, and the age limit has now been lowered to 30. IDF officials report that the relaxing of restrictions is part of an ongoing process. This was one of the promises made by Prime Minister Sharon to the Bush Administration during their recent negotiations over the disengagement.
"The attempts to improve the quality of life for the Palestinian population will continue, in accordance with security evaluations," according to an IDF spokesman, "on condition that terror organizations not take advantage of them to perpetrate terrorism."