Israel has agreed to remove some of the military roadblocks that have hindered Palestinian travel in the West Bank.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has approved the streamlining of 16 checkpoints and the removal of 27 unmanned roadblocks. There are more than 400 permanent barriers in the West Bank.

A statement from his office Monday said the move is designed to strengthen moderate Palestinian elements.

Deputy Defense Minister Ephraim Sneh said crossings for people and cargo between Gaza and Israel would be upgraded "in order to accelerate the economy in Gaza to lessen the poverty and despair."

But an Israeli army commander in the West Bank, Brig. Gen. Yair Naveh, warned in a closed meeting that this move would aid Palestinian militants in attacking Israelis, security officials told the Associated Press.

This latest gesture will likely be seen as aimed at boosting Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in his struggle with the militant Islamic group Hamas.

"We must consider easing roadblocks in places where this does not pose a danger," Defense Minister Amir Peretz told reporters.

Decision welcomed by some

The decision was welcomed by some. Although hundreds of roadblocks will remain, "we still consider this a step in lifting the internal closure in the West Bank," said Saeb Erekat, a top Abbas aide.

Olmert had already offered $100 million in now-frozen tax income to Abbas and he is indicating he might release some Palestinian prisoners.

Olmert also said Monday that he would like to renew peace talks with Syria, talks which broke down nearly seven years ago, but he insisted that Damascus first end its support of anti-Israel militant groups in the Palestinian areas and Lebanon.

Syria has said on several occasions recently that it would like to resume negotiations with Israel.

Olmert has rejected the offers, citing Syria's support for Hamas, Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas and other militant groups.

With files from the Associated Press