Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon has authorized a number of eased restrictions to Palestinian Muslims as a good will gesture ahead of the Eidul Adha holiday which began on Thursday, the Jerusalem Post newspaper.

As part of the eased restrictions, family visits in Israel will be allowed to married Palestinian couples who are residents of the West Bank on Thursday and Friday.

Male West Bank Palestinians that are 45 and older, and women who are 30 and older will be given entry to pray at Aqsa Mosque on Thursday and Friday. Family from abroad will be permitted to visit West Bank Palestinians, who will also be allowed to travel abroad from Ben-Gurion Airport.

The hours of border crossings will also be extended for Palestinians during the holiday.

Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, Maj.-Gen. Yoav "Poli" Mordechai informed senior Palestinian Authority officials and international officials of the good will gestures for the holiday. Civil Administration authorities explained the measures to the Palestinian population and instructed security forces operating in the territories on holiday customs.

Source: MENA