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Israel eases West Bank travel restrictions

JERUSALEM, May 10 (UPI) -- Israel Tuesday opened a major roadblock northeast of Nablus, clearing a route to Jenin in the north and Jericho to the southeast.

Israel has come under considerable criticism -- abroad as well as among Israeli doves -- over its many roadblocks that have delayed or prevented people's travel and disrupted economic activity. Occasionally militants and bombs were prevented from crossing into Israel.

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A senior military source who briefed foreign correspondents Tuesday noted Israel was easing up in response to a drop in militant attacks.

The removal of the Ein Bidan roadblock increased to 25 the number of roadblocks opened since March, the army spokesman reported. There were 80 roadblocks and checkpoints on April 1 this year compared with 180 in January 2004, the officer said.

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