Israel bowed to international criticism today by easing a blockade of
cities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip that is choking the Palestinian economy.
But in Ramallah, one of the sealed-off West Bank cities, Palestinian Information Minister Mr Yasser Abed Rabbo said the change was cosmetic and aimed at deceiving the world that the closure has been lifted.
Under criticism from the US and the EU, the Israeli army reopened two roads to Ramallah today despite saying it had information militants in the city were planning a bomb attack in nearby Jerusalem.
Earlier today, the army began lifting blockades on four West Bank towns following Israeli Prime Minister Mr Ariel Sharon's announcement he wanted to avoid collectively punishing Palestinians whenever possible.
Mr Chris Patten, the EU Commissioner for External Affairs, and Swedish Foreign Minister Ms Anna Lindh were expected to voice their concern in talks today with Sharon and Foreign Minister Mr Shimon Peres.
Mr Peres said Israel must find a way to distinguish between the people involved in terror and people who are trying to live their daily life.
"When we go after the terrorists we must make sure we don't hurt people who are innocent", he said.
The US warned Israel yesterday that if the economic pressure of the blockades brought about a collapse of the Palestinian Authority, then it would not augur well for peace.