Israel opens major checkpoint in W. Bank

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-16-2009 10:31

The shooting occurred on the heels of what Israel says is a goodwill gesture to the Palestinians. On Sunday, Israel opened a major checkpoint in the West Bank.

On Sunday, Israel opened a major checkpoint in the West Bank. (CCTV.com)

The Israeli army began allowing free movement of cars through the Beit Iba checkpoint. Operating since 2001, the crossing, which is near the West Bank city of Nablus, is a major bottleneck.

The army says it eased restrictions because Palestinian militants now pose less of a threat.

Also, the army is setting up a new, smaller checkpoint close to a nearby village. But it plans to only stop cars there occasionally.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei