DHAKA: Israel will be easing some restrictions imposed on the Gaza Strip and the West Bank as a part of ongoing peace talks with the Palestinians

Israel’s international relations minister Yuval Steinitz announced that Israel will issue 5,000 new work permits for Palestinians, extend the opening hours of the Allenby Bridge crossing that connects the West Bank with Jordan and allow new imports of building materials into Gaza, The Jerusalem Post reports.

Speaking to reporters while in New York at the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Steinitz said a strong Palestinian economy is good for Israel.

‘We have an interest in a strong, viable, prosperous Palestinian economy,’ Steinitz was quoted as saying, ‘A better economic climate might help to create a better political climate’.

BDST: 0238 HRS, SEPT 27, 2013
RoR/GCP