TEL AVIV, Israel, March 13 (UPI) -- Israel's defense establishment has decided to let more Palestinian businessman enter Israel, an army spokeswoman reported Saturday.
The spokeswoman said 900 more West Bank businessmen will be allowed into Israel. The decision brings the total amount of West Bank businessmen allowed in the country to 8,500.
Five hundred more Gazan merchants will be allowed in raising the total number to 1,300, the spokeswoman added.
An Israeli roadblock on the Gaza-Khan Yunes road will allow traffic 24 hours a day "subject to security limitations."
As of Tuesday, the Karni cargo terminal for goods going to and from the Gaza Strip to will be open daily until 11 p.m.
Israel has been the Palestinians' main trading partner. Allowing more merchants across and opening the cargo terminal for longer hours could help alleviate unemployment in Gaza as some Israeli firms have subcontracted work to Palestinians there.
