Although 7,000 West Bank Arab refugees in Jordan hold reentry permits for themselves and their families, only one has made use of it since Israel’s announcement last week that the deadline for re-entry would be extended to Jan, 31, 1969. The sole user was a 43-year-old man who crossed the Allenby Bridge alone Sunday. No one crossed the Jordan River bridge yesterday for repatriation.
The 7,000 permits represent the unused balance of 20,000 that were issued by Israel last year to applicants for repatriation and distributed to them in Jordan by the International Red Cross. Israel announced it would permit the holders to return prior to Jan. 31 in response to appeals made in the United Nations by the United States, Britain and other countries for a speeded-up repatriation program. Laurence Michelmore, commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Arab refugees (UNRWA), said his agency could provide better shelter and services for the refugees if West Bank inhabitants who fled in the wake of the June, 1967 war were permitted to return to their homes and camps. Israel’s Ministry of Interior said permits not used by Jan. 31 would be transferred to other refugees who apply for repatriation.
A curfew was lifted on the Casbah (old quarter) of Nablus today following a visit by Defense Minister Moshe Dayan to that West Bank town. The curfew was imposed four days ago after riots by high school students.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
