JENIN, West Bank, 3 June 2008 — Israel yesterday began to allow its Arab citizens into the West Bank city of Jenin to visit relatives and shop for the first time since the start of a Palestinian uprising in 2000, Palestinian officials said.
The move follows the deployment of Palestinian security forces in the city in a campaign that Washington sees as a chance for Palestinian security forces to show they can rein in militants — an Israeli demand for Palestinian statehood.
The move could also provide a badly needed economic boost to Jenin.
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who met Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad in Jenin yesterday, described the city’s improved state as “miraculous.”
While presenting new German-made vehicles for the Palestinian police who now patrol the city as part of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ law and order initiative, Steinmeier added that it was a “clear sign of positive developments.”
About 200 Arab Israelis entered Jenin through the Israeli-controlled Jalameh terminal at the entrance to the city. “It’s a new policy,” an Israeli Army spokeswoman said.
Under the new rules, the Israeli Army barred those younger than 18 from entering Jenin and said all the travelers must return to the terminal before nightfall, where they will be subjected to security questioning, according to a flier given to those who crossed.
The crossing will be open to an estimated 100 Arab Israelis per day, Sunday to Thursday, Palestinian officials said.
