Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert attends a Kadima party meeting in parliament in Jerusalem yesterday. -Xinhua 

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert yesterday ordered the implementation of a series of steps to ease restrictions on the Palestinians.

According to a statement issued by Israeli Government Press Office, Olmert met with senior Israeli officials on the day to discuss ways to ease restrictions on the Palestinians.

The decision approved at the meeting including easing the movement of Palestinians in crossings and checkpoints, providing permits for the passage of medical teams, easing the transfer of goods and to build interchanges which will allow Palestinians to travel easily.

The directions will be implemented immediately to strengthen moderate elements in Palestine and fulfill the agreements reached at Olmert's Saturday meeting with the Palestinian National Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.

Olmert said on Monday's meeting that Israel intended to significantly ease restrictions on the Palestinian population that is not involved in terrorism and to enable a reasonable fabric of life for Palestinian citizens.

He expressed his hope that the plan will contribute to improving the atmosphere, strengthening moderate forces and distancing the civilian population from the cycle of terrorism.

On Saturday evening, Olmert met with Abbas in Jerusalem. A series of concessions were reached during the two-hour meeting, which marked the first substantial talks between Israeli and Palestinian leaders in 22 months.