(Communicated by the IDF Spokesperson)

On the occasion of Eid al-Adha, the Muslim Feast of Sacrifice, the IDF and the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories have adopted a number of measures for the benefit of the Palestinian population in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, as part of the policy to improve the quality of their lives.

As part of these measures, from Sunday (5 Oct 2014) until Tuesday (7 Oct 2014), approval will be granted to residents of Judea and Samaria of any age to conduct family visits and tours in Israel during the holiday. Palestinians over the age of 60 will be allowed to enter Israel without a special permit. In addition, Israel has approved 500 family visits to the Gaza Strip by Palestinians over the age of 60 from Judea and Samaria, as well 200 permits to travel abroad for business purposes via Ben Gurion Airport.

About 500 Gaza worshipers age 60 and older will be allowed to enter Israel daily for the observance of Eid al-Adha prayers on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, for which arrangements will be made for organized transport. In addition, 500 Gaza residents over the age of 60 will be permitted to visit first degree relatives in the West Bank. The export of agricultural produce and fish from the Gaza Strip to the West Bank will be also permitted.

Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, Major General Yoav (Poly) Mordechai, has updated senior officials in the Palestinian Authority and the international agencies regarding these measures.