After eight years of withholding it, the Government of Israel is releasing 10.5 tons of mail to Palestinian authorities in the West Bank. Since 2010, Israel would not permit mail to enter the West Bank from Jordan, citing "security" reasons.
"Mail for the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the borders of which are under Israeli control, first passes through Israel, enabling it to perform security checks.We would imagine eight days would have been sufficient initially to screen the mail for contraband, not eight years. Letters and gifts for birthdays and anniversaries will be a poignant reminder for the families of the intended recipients who have died during those eight years. There's no explanation for the long delay except for more pettiness at the hands of the Netanyahu crowd.
Israeli authorities said the transfer was a one-time gesture and moves were under way to implement a 2016 agreement that would enable direct international mail links with the West Bank.
At the Jericho facility, a wheelchair and toys were among the items being sorted."
