Israel closes Jordan borders for Jewish festival: army

JERUSALEM - Agence France-Presse

EPA Photo

The Israeli army yesterday announced the closing of borders with Jordan for 48 hours during the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur.
 
All crossings from Israel to Jordan would be shut from Monday at 11:59 pm (2159 GMT) until Wednesday at the same time, said a military statement, on the orders of the head of the army Benny Gantz.
 
Palestinians would not be allowed to enter Israel during this period, apart from those requiring medical treatment or for humanitarian reasons, the statement said.
 
Israel systematically closes its borders with Jordan during its main holidays for security reasons.
 
Israel's observing Jews will mark Yom Kippur with prayers and a 25-hour fast beginning on Tuesday evening.
 
During the festival, air traffic, public transport and radio and TV programmes are stopped.