By Xinhua
Jerusalem : The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Wednesday closed passages to the West Bank and Gaza Strip ahead of the weeklong Jewish holiday of Sukkot.
The closure will be lifted in accordance with security assessments, spokesperson of IDF said.
During the closure, the passage of those in need of humanitarian aid as well as doctors, medical personnel, religious workers, NGO members, teachers, lawyers, and additional professional groups will be authorized by Israeli District Coordination and Liaison offices.
In addition, 1,600 Palestinians will be authorized to pass from the West Bank into Israel for olive harvest.
The spokesperson also said journalists could not use the Erez crossing between Israel and Gaza but they were free to enter and leave the West Bank, without giving explanation for the Gaza ban.
The holiday, or Feast of Tabernacles, which will begin at sunset Wednesday, is viewed by the IDF as a highly sensitive time from a security standpoint.