Israeli forces tighten West Bank restrictions for second day

Middle East Eye

a day ago

For a second consecutive day, Israeli forces have imposed strict measures across the occupied West Bank, sealing off towns and villages with military checkpoints and iron gates, the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported.
Ramallah and Al-Bireh
Troops tightened controls at entrances to Ramallah and Al-Bireh, shutting checkpoints at Rawabi, Ein Siniya, and Atara. The Jaba' and Karamelo checkpoints near Jerusalem and Taybeh were also sealed, effectively cutting off the governorate.
Jericho
Israeli soldiers barred residents from leaving Jericho, maintaining blockades at key access points.
Nablus
Checkpoints at Deir Sharaf, Al-Murabba'a, Awarta, and Za'tara remained closed, restricting movement in and out of the governorate.
Tubas
The Tayasir and Hamra checkpoints in the northern Jordan Valley stayed shut for a second day, continuing a two-year pattern of intermittent closures.
Salfit and Qalqilya
Forces sealed entrances to Salfit, Bruqin, and nearby villages, while Qalqilya's eastern access points—including Nabi Elias and Imatin—remained blocked. Soldiers reportedly fired live rounds at approaching pedestrians.
Hebron
Checkpoints around Hebron governorate restricted all movement, compounding travel bans already in place.
According to the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission, Israeli forces maintain 898 barriers and iron gates across the West Bank, including 146 added since October 2023.