Major Hebron street is reopened

JERUSALEM, Feb. 3 (JTA) — Israel has partially reopened a major thoroughfare in Hebron to Palestinian traffic, despite protests from Jewish settlers. Shuhada, or Martyrs, Street straddles the city’s Jewish quarter. As part of the gradual reopening of the street, which is called for under the Hebron agreements, Palestinian taxis and ambulances can enter the thoroughfare. The road will be fully opened during the next four months. Israel sealed the street off in 1994, after Kiryat Arba resident Baruch Goldstein killed 29 Muslim worshipers in the Tomb of the Patriarchs. Israeli and Palestinian security forces were on hand Monday to prevent any disturbances. Jewish settlers complained that promised security measures, including a concrete barrier, had yet to be carried out.