GENERAL
The closure imposed on Judea and Samaria and the Gaza District was designed to promote security. Its nature was determined in accordance with the character of the security events which had impelled its imposition. The closure is meant to prevent a continuation of acts of violence and terrorist attacks. Its goal is to bring about calm and security to the region. Israel is acting to ease the closure in humanitarian cases as long as there is no harm to security. We view the closure as a temporary measure connected with the security situation.
HUMANITARIAN MEASURES TO EASE THE CLOSURE
(1) Israel permits the passage of sick persons from Gaza and Judea and Samaria to receive treatment in hospitals in Israel. The reference is to cases where the hospitals in the Territories are not able to treat them. The entry of these sick residents is carried out in cooperation with the Palestinian Authority.
(2) Israel permits doctors and members of medical teams to travel between the internal closure areas in Judea and Samaria by special permission. In addition, the entry of doctors and medical teams from Judea and Samaria to East Jerusalem has been approved.
(3) Israel allows the entry of medical equipment without restriction. Medical equipment sent by France, Italy, the International Red Cross, and other organizations, has entered Judea and Samaria and the Gaza District. Israel permits suppliers of medications to move between the internal closure areas.
ECONOMIC EASING
Israel has approved the entry of food supplies into Gaza through the Karni crossing. Implementation of the plan had been delayed due to a disagreement between Israel and the Palestinians regarding the weapons with which the Palestinian Police would be armed. It was decided that both the Palestinian Police and IDF personnel at Karni will only carry sidearms. The passage of basic commodities from the Erez industrial zone has been approved by Israel. Israel has permitted the entry of Palestinian laborers into Gush Katif.