Key facts
- Israeli forces have increased restrictions on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank during the Sukkot holiday.
- Roads have been blocked and movement limited at checkpoints, causing hours-long waits.
- The comprehensive closure of the West Bank is in effect from September 25 until October 3.
- Obstacles include iron gates and earth mounds blocking town and village entrances.
- Ambulance crews face difficulties reaching emergencies due to the restrictions.
- Over 50 Palestinian shops in Jerusalem's Old City were ordered to close by Israeli forces.
Israeli forces have intensified restrictions on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, blocking roads and tightening checkpoints. The measures, which began on September 25 and are set to last until October 3, have led to significant delays and disruptions for residents.
Entrances to several towns and villages have been blocked with iron gates and earth mounds, and checkpoints have been tightened across the territory. Prominent examples of checkpoints with long waiting times include Atara, Ein Siniya, and Jaba’. These restrictions significantly slow movement between Palestinian communities, impacting daily life, university classes, and essential travel.
Palestinian taxi driver Attaf Abu Aliya described the situation as a "tragic lockdown," where soldiers "simply to make our lives miserable" cause hours-long waits. He also noted instances where settlers have interfered at checkpoints, blocking passage and assaulting passengers.
Data from the Commission Against the Wall and Settlements indicates 942 checkpoints, closure points, and other obstacles are present in the West Bank. The United Nations reports that these restrictions extend beyond existing checkpoints, further disrupting movement and hampering access to essential services, including healthcare.
Paramedics face growing difficulties reaching emergencies and transporting patients due to the closures and lengthy delays. Ahmed Jibril, director of the Emergency Medical Services Department at the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, stated that ambulances are often subjected to stricter checks and that the need to find alternative routes impacts response times. In one instance last week, an ambulance crew was unable to reach an elderly woman near Salfit due to closed checkpoints, and she later died.
In parallel, over 50 Palestinian shops in Jerusalem's Old City were ordered to close by Israeli forces during Sukkot, affecting access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Palestinian residents were reportedly ordered indoors, and the Bab al-Qattanin gate was closed. The Jerusalem Governorate condemned these actions, citing a violation of the historical and legal status quo, especially as hundreds of Israelis participated in prayers and rituals within the compound.