Part of the agreement signed between the Israel Prison Authority and hunger striking “security prisoners” was to renew visits from their family members, visits that were halted in 2007 with the closure of Erez Crossing.

As such, the visits were renewed today, involving the International Red Cross, which bused Gazans to Israel to meet with their family members in Ramon Prison.

The Gazans were subjected to a security check at Erez and from there transported to the prison. If the day passes without incident, IPA officials have stated they will permit additional visits in the future.

Many southern district residents are less than pleased by the visits as they are still victims of regular rocket attacks from Gaza and they feel such humanitarian acts should be contingent on a total cessation of cross border rocket attacks.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)