Allenby Bridge > Abutoum / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The Allenby Bridge border crossing between the West Bank and Jordan opened to passenger traffic for 24-hours a day last week for the first time.
The extended hours pilot, which ran for almost a week, was part of an agreement the Israeli government made with US President Joe Biden during his visit to the region in July.
Expanded crossing times have also been championed by Moroccan King Mohammad VI, who reportedly encouraged Transportation Minister and Israeli Labor leader Merav Michaeli to extend the opening hours.
The crossing was previously open from 8am to 11:30pm Sunday-Thursday and 8am-3pm Friday-Saturday.
Michaeli said she was glad her ministry’s efforts came to fruition.
“I thank the kingdoms of Jordan and Morocco and the US Ambassador for their important help on this matter”, she said.
“I support every step, especially at this time, that can advance freedom of movement and a safer and more prosperous future in our region”.
The Allenby Bridge is particularly important to Palestinians in the West Bank, who use the route to reach Amman, in Jordan, for international flights.
LFI called for Allenby’s opening hours to be extended in its Steps to a Two State Solution project earlier this year.
