NABLUS, January 11, 2016 (WAFA) – Israeli forces Monday shut down a major checkpoint connecting between Nablus in the north and Ramallah in the central West Bank, passengers and taxi drivers told WAFA.
According to Palestinians who were trying to enter Nablus or leave to Ramallah, Israeli soldiers suddenly shut down Huwara checkpoint and restricted Palestinians’ movement. Hundreds of cars and people were stuck for over two hours, which eventually caused a major traffic jam.
While Israel‘s legal obligation is to respect the freedom of movement of Palestinians in the West Bank, the restrictions on movement and the resultant geographical splitting of the West Bank seriously impair the functioning of central social institutions and, consequently, the ability of Palestinians to exercise many human rights.
B’Tselem, an Israeli human rights organization, said the Israeli restrictions impact trade, economy, and ability to access medical services and maintain family and social ties and education.
In 2014, B’Tselem recorded a total of 29 comprehensive closure days across the West Bank, an increase from only seven in 2013 and 11 in 2012.
M.H
