Israeli soldiers stationed in Judea and Samaria (the so-called "West Bank") have been ordered to refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in front of Palestinian Arabs during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Read a statement issued by the IDF Spokesman:
"The soldiers were instructed to show greater consideration toward the residents, and to refrain as much as possible from eating, drinking and smoking in public in front of the population, especially at the crossing points, and to be alert and accommodating."
The IDF will also keep several major checkpoints open later in the night during Ramadan to accommodate those who travel to feast with their families after sunset.
Devout Muslims observing Ramadan fully refrain from eating, drinking or smoking during the daylight hours. They then feast after sunset.
The IDF order, which is issued every year, contradicts the international media-supported image of Israeli soldiers as routinely oppressive and inconsiderate.