BETHLEHEM, September 30, 2026 (WAFA) — Israeli forces closed the main entrance to the village of al-Minya, southeast of Bethlehem, on Wednesday, while continuing to block the entrances to the nearby town of Tuqu'.

Ahmed Qawazbeh, head of the al-Minya Village Council, told WAFA that Israeli forces closed the village’s main entrance with an iron gate near the “landfill” area, restricting residents’ movement and forcing them to use rough and hazardous dirt roads.

Qawazbeh added that Israeli forces and settlers have escalated attacks on the village and its residents, including damaging the water network, attacking homes, opening fire, attempting to run over residents, and establishing a settlement outpost in the al-Qarn area.

Meanwhile, Tuqu' Municipal Council Chairman Saqr Suleiman told WAFA that Israeli forces have continued since Tuesday to close the town’s main entrances with iron gates, cutting off routes connecting it to Bethlehem city center. Two of the gates are located in the Khirbet al-Deir area, while another is in the al-Halqoum area.

He added that the restrictions have disrupted daily life, preventing residents from reaching their workplaces and restricting movement within the town.

Y.S