Jerusalem (ANTARA News/AFP) - The Israeli army has imposed a nine-day lockdown of the occupied West Bank from midnight on Sunday (2100 GMT) to the same time on April 26 for the Passover holiday, a military statement said.

During this time, Palestinians will not be permitted to enter Israel except in humanitarian cases or for medical treatment.

The closure will not affect Palestinian Christians wanting to visit the holy places and Jerusalem during Easter, as long as they have the necessary permits, the statement added.

Passover begins on Monday evening and ends on the evening of April 25.

Israel regularly tightens restrictions on movement in and out of the West Bank and Gaza around major Jewish holidays. (*)

Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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