Israel's Humanitarian Aid Continues in the Palestinian Territories
23 January 2003 IDF Spokesperson

Alongside the IDF's operations in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip aimed to
prevent terrorism, the IDF is continuing its policy of providing
humanitarian aid and easing the restrictions on the innocent Palestinian
population living in the territories.

Below is a list of the restrictions which were lifted (as of 17 January
2003):

In Ramallah, a Palestinian truck bearing innoculations passed through the
IDF security checkpoints. In Tul Karem, Red Cross representatives
distributed food to the Palestinian population. In Bethlehem, a vehicle
carrying gas canisters passed through IDF security checkpoints. Five buses
carrying Palestinians on their way to be Baptised, travelled from Bethlehem
to Jericho.

In the Gaza Strip, UNWRA workers were able to visit a school near Kfar
Darom. Agricultural produce was transported from the Muassi to Khan Yunis.
Work continues in the Palestinian water purification facility north of the
cemetery in Gaza.

Humanitarian goods were delivered to Bethlehem, Tarkumia, Tayyibe,
Kalkiliya, Jalma and Jericho.

Humanitarian medical aid provided: twenty-four Palestinian patients from the
West Bank were transferred to Israel for medical treatment. Nine Israeli
trucks carrying medicine, baby food and oxygen tanks passed through IDF
security checkpoints in the West Bank.

Employment: 2,176 workers went through the Erez security crossing to work in
the Erez industrial area. Exit visas were given to 5,450 Palestinians to
come into Israel for work purposes.

The IDF continues to provide the maximum amount of humanitarian assistance
to the innocent Palestinian population that is not involved in hostile
terrorist activities.