Israel reopened an entrance to a West Bank city after 12 years of closure, Israeli and Palestinian sources said Sunday.

As a first phase, public transportation vehicles and ambulances are allowed to enter or leave Salfeet city through its southern entrance, Israel Radio reported. Later, private cars would be allowed to use the newly-opened entrance depending on security assessments.

Israel shut down the entrance when the second Palestinian uprising broke out in 2000.

The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) welcomed the move, saying in a statement by its civil affairs commission that the reopening of Salfeet entrance "was met with big relief by the Palestinian residents" in the city.

According to United Nations reports, the Israeli army has installed more than 600 checkpoints and roadblocks across the West Bank. The Palestinians say these barriers blocks their movement and deprive them from accessing their agricultural lands.