81.   The closure was also eased briefly on Friday when thousands of Muslims from the West Bank were allowed into Jerusalem for prayers marking the last Sabbath of Ramadan.

82.   The Israeli army eased its closure on the West Bank Thursday to let thousands of Moslem worshippers enter the city.

83.   The Israeli government said earlier this week that it hoped to ease the closure in quiet areas, and has permitted freer movement in and out of some towns.

84.   The Israeli army eased its closure of the Palestinian areas slightly on Wednesday after sealing them for four days over the Jewish New Year holiday.

85.   The newspaper said Defense Minister Yitzhak Mordechai was leaning toward easing the closure and was expected to make a decision this week.

86.   The Maariv daily said the closure would be eased in the next few days, but that Netanyahu opposed the transfer of funds.

87.   The protesters demanded that Peres ease the closure so they can go to the West Bank for medical treatment.

88.   The statement did not elaborate, but it apparently referred to Israeli steps to ease the closure and let in more workers.

89.   The three last met Tuesday night, amid recriminations and Palestinian complaints that the Israelis have not eased the closure on towns in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

90.   These closures are eased from time to time, but with each fresh act of violence, they are reinstated.