BETHLEHEM, December 15, 2024 (WAFA) - Israeli forces closed several key entrances to Bethlehem governorate on Sunday evening, further restricting movement for Palestinian residents.
According to local security sources, the Israeli military sealed off the southern entrance to the town of Al-Khadr, known as al-Nashash, the entrance of the Aish Ghrab area east of Beit Sahour and the western entrance to the city of Beit Jala.
According to B'Tselem, the Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories, Israeli restrictions on Palestinians’ movement impose a life of constant uncertainty, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks or make plans, and frustrates the development of a stable economy.
“Restricting movement is one of the main tools that Israel employs to enforce its regime of occupation over the Palestinian population in the Occupied Territories. Israel restricts the movement of Palestinians within the Occupied Territories, between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, into Israel, and abroad. Only Palestinians are restricted in this manner, while settlers and other civilians – Israeli and foreign – are free to travel,” said B’Tselem.
According to OCHA, since 7 October 2023, the Israeli authorities have imposed additional restrictions on the movement of 3.3 million Palestinians across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in the form of physical obstacles or restricted access regulations.
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