NABLUS, August 8, 2011 (WAFA) – The Israeli forces removed an iron gate that has blocked traffic on a main road to Nablus area village for nine years, Monday said local officials.

Imad Khalil, head of al-Naqoura local council, told WAFA that the road has been closed with an iron gate for nine years under the claim it was a closed military road used only by Shifa Shamron settlement. He said that Palestinians using the road were detained by the Israeli forces for hours and interrogated.

Villagers of al-Naqoura, northeast of Nablus, used to take long drives to reach Nablus when the road was closed, he said. By removing the iron gate and reopening the road, residents will save time and effort.

He added that the villagers drove their cars on the main road reopened Sunday despite the fact that it was ruined and needs rehabilitation.

Jubran al-Bakri, Nablus governor, said the reopening of the main road saves the villagers time and connects the farmers with their lands on both sides of the road.

M.G./M.A.