JERUSALEM/AMMAN—Israel has approved the transfer of commercial goods from Jordan to the West Bank, a logistical decision made amidst heightened political and military tensions in the region. The move is anticipated to ease some of the restrictions on trade movement into the West Bank.
According to reports from Arab media, the delivery of goods from Jordan is scheduled to commence on December 10. The shipments will pass through the vital Allenby Crossing, a key border point connecting Jordan and Israel, which is significant for maintaining economic links with the West Bank.
The Ongoing Human Cost in Gaza
The commercial facilitation, however, contrasts sharply with the grim humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. The Gaza Ministry of Health maintains that Israeli military actions are continuing despite the existing ceasefire agreement.
The Ministry’s data paints a severe picture of the continued casualties:
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In the last 24 hours, Israeli firing has resulted in the death of one Palestinian and injuries to six others.
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Since the ceasefire came into effect on October 11, a total of 377 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli actions.
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A cumulative 987 Palestinians have been wounded in attacks since the truce began.
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Rescue teams have recovered the bodies of 626 martyrs during this period.
The total casualty figures since October 7, 2023, remain staggering: 70,366 Palestinians have been killed, and the number of injured has reached 171,064. While the allowance for commercial goods to the West Bank is a step towards economic stability, the persistent violence and human tragedy in Gaza continue to pose the most significant challenge to regional peace efforts.
