Israel to close West Bank and Gaza Ahead of Jewish New Year — Check closure schedule
Israel has announced a comprehensive three-day closure of the West Bank and Gaza Strip during the upcoming Jewish New Year holiday, as tensions continue to escalate in the region. The closure, initiated upon the directive of the political leadership, is scheduled to commence just after midnight on Friday and will conclude before midnight on Sunday.
Full Closure during Jewish New Year
The Israeli military unveiled the impending closure in a statement issued on Thursday. During this period, all checkpoints and crossings that link Israel with the West Bank and Gaza Strip will be temporarily shuttered. Exceptions will only be made for rare humanitarian and medical cases, subject to approval by the coordinator overseeing government actions in Palestinian territories.
Heightened Tensions in the West Bank
The decision to implement this full closure arises against the backdrop of mounting tensions between Israelis and Palestinians in the West Bank, as reported by Xinhua news agency. Such closures are a recurring practice during Jewish holidays, with security considerations often cited as the rationale.
A History of Full Closures
Israel frequently enforces total closures on the West Bank and Gaza Strip, regions it took control of during the 1967 Middle East war, especially during Jewish holidays. These closures have been justified on security grounds.
Tensions Escalate in West Bank
This latest closure comes against a backdrop of rising tensions between Israelis and Palestinians in the West Bank, amplifying the significance of the security measures. While the specific nature of these tensions remains multifaceted, the closure represents a strategic step by Israel to address the evolving situation and maintain stability during the
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