Nablus reacts to changes in Israeli policy

Two months ago, possibly under pressure from the Obama administration, the Israeli military announced it would ease the checkpoints around four major West Bank cities -including the largest, Nablus - to encourage economic development. In the week of June 22, the Israeli military said it would allow Palestinian police more authority on the streets of Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jericho and Qalqilyah and would only enter if there was an imminent threat.

Residents of Nablus and Balata - the massive refugee camp next door - have had mixed reactions to the policy changes. They largely agree that travel in and out of the city is now easier, but developing their economy permanently is still a major challenge. OCHA, the UN monitors of the Occupied Territories, released a report today concluding that the changes in the checkpoints were not fully carried out. While the IDF says they have been "removed", OCHA notes much of the architecture has yet to be removed, and now considers them "partial checkpoints."