The IDF will begin gradually easing restrictions on the Palestinian population starting Saturday night as promised the Palestinian Prime Minister Abu Mazen by PM Ariel Sharon at their previous meeting.

The IDF will start redeploying from several Palestinian city centers in the West Bank and from the Gaza Strip, gradually easing the closure imposed on these cities.

A statement released by Prime Minister Sharon's office said the measures would be taken immediately, but added that the measures were conditioned upon the Palestinians' actions to "decisively to stop terrorism, dismantling terror organizations, arresting terrorists, confiscating illegal weapons, stopping incitement and creating an atmosphere of peace."

Israel will also allow more Palestinians to enter the country for work purposes, and the navy will expand the area off the Gaza coast that Palestinians can use for fishing. [...]