Hundreds of Palestinian workers demonstrated in front of an Israeli crossing point in the West Bank Wednesday, demanding Israeli forces to treat them better when they pass through.

The workers suspended the movement through al-Jalama crossing between Jenin City and Israel for two hours, an official from the Palestinian Workers Union said.

"The Israeli soldiers beat the laborers, insult them and delay them under false pretexts," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "The workers mainly want to stop the strip search and ease the checking procedures."

The crossing was opened last November after 11 years of complete closure. Tony Blair, the envoy of the International Quartet of the Middle East peace, played a role in persuading Israel to open the crossing.

The West Bank workers use the crossing to go to work in Israel.