Officials say long-isolated Hebron areas could see revival

The Palestinian Civil Affairs Committee recently worked out a deal with Israel to open some shops in a Hebron area that's been closed off for almost two decades, but some Palestinians view the move as a mere publicity stunt that will do little to help revive the area, which used to be a bustling commercial center.
A man passes closed shops as Palestinians call for a general strike, in Hebron, in the occupied West Bank March 31, 2018. REUTERS/Mussa Qawasma - RC1243688B00
A man passes closed shops as Palestinians call for a general strike, in Hebron, in the occupied West Bank March 31, 2018. - REUTERS/Mussa Qawasma
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Ahmad Melhem
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RAMALLAH, West Bank — Israel will allow 15 stores to reopen in an area of Hebron that has been closed to everyone but residents since 2000, and it is relaxing — a bit — its restrictions on automobiles there.

The Palestinian Civil Affairs Committee announced the decision April 11. Five of the stores opened the next day.

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