In an unprecedented event on Sept. 21, the first joint trade hall between Israelis and Palestinians opened near Ephraim crossing, the main crossing for the transfer of Israeli goods into the territory of the Palestinian Authority (PA). It is located near the cities of Tulkarm and Qalqilya, and it is one of the most important crossings between Israel and the PA through which 900 trucks pass every day.
The Israeli newspaper TheMarker published on Sept. 20 that the hall is run by the Israeli crossings authority, and it allows Israeli and Palestinian business owners to work together in a neutral place, without entering either the Palestinian territories or Israel. It is one of three halls to open in upcoming years.