RAMALLAH, November 7, 2016 (WAFA) – Hundreds of cars were held Monday morning at two Israeli military checkpoints north of Ramallah causing long delays and major traffic jam, according to the Palestinian liaison office.

It said the military closed Atara and Ein Senya checkpoints between Ramallah and the north of the West Bank preventing traffic in both directions forcing cars coming from the northern districts to look for long alternative routes to Ramallah.

Israeli forces have been obstructing Palestinian movement at Atara, a permanent checkpoint that is often kept open, following the shooting attack that took place almost a week ago at Beit El checkpoint and left three Israeli soldiers injured. The Palestinian attacker, a policeman, was shot dead at the scene. The Beit El checkpoint, also known as the DCO, a main one for Ramallah, has been closed ever since.

Soldiers manning the checkpoints have been stopping and searching Palestinian vehicles and checking identity cards of passengers causing serious traffic jams and long delays.

The measure is believed part of Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman’s “carrot and stick” strategy against the Palestinian people in the occupied territories.

T.R./M.A.