Israel Implements Road Closures in West Bank, Affecting Palestinian Movement

Palestinians are experiencing delays in medical care and extended travel times as Israel enforces movement restrictions across the West Bank. Mohammed Abu Hijleh reported that his mother, Zahriya Abu Hijleh, 66, passed away after delays caused by these restrictions. On September 20, she collapsed at a wedding reception in Deir Istiya and was taken to a local medical center. However, an ambulance could not reach her due to a closed gate operated by Israeli forces. She was transported to the gate and then transferred to another ambulance, but later died from a pulmonary embolism, according to her family. Mohammed stated, "Had the gate been open, we wouldn’t have lost her on the way." The military checkpoints and gates in the West Bank disrupt daily life, causing delays for those trying to reach work, schools, and medical facilities. Israel periodically imposes closures for various reasons, including Jewish holidays. The current closure is in effect from September 27 to October 3, coinciding with the Jewish festival of Sukkot. While Israeli settlers move freely, Palestinians face long waits at checkpoints. Ibtihal Mansour from Nablus described a lengthy ordeal when her family attempted to travel to Nablus, encountering multiple closures and being forced to spend the night away from home. The Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission (CRRC) reported 942 checkpoints and obstacles in the West Bank as of September 25, an increase from 793 in March 2024. These closures fragment Palestinian communities and hinder access to essential services. Al Jazeera has sought comments from Israeli authorities regarding the road closures but has not received a response. In Hebron, the Israeli army has restricted access to the Ibrahimi Mosque for Palestinians while allowing settlers to celebrate Jewish holidays. Issa Amro from the Youth Against Settlements group noted that these restrictions make it increasingly difficult for residents to access the Old City. The situation in occupied East Jerusalem is similarly tense, with strict movement restrictions imposed on Palestinians, particularly around the Al-Aqsa Mosque, while Israeli settlers move freely under heavy security.