Mapping Israel’s 300 checkpoints: Where they are and how they work
Summary
Israel has closed the crossings to the occupied West Bank for a week during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. This closure tightens movement restrictions on Palestinians, with many checkpoints across the West Bank controlling access to towns, holy sites, and workplaces.Key Facts
- Israel’s Defense Minister ordered a full closure of West Bank crossings until Saturday during Sukkot.
- Palestinians already face severe movement restrictions due to over 300 Israeli checkpoints and roadblocks.
- Key holy sites like the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Ibrahimi Mosque will have limited or no access during this time.
- Israeli forces have blocked roads and set up additional checkpoints in various West Bank towns.
- Palestinians with work permits in Israel and settlements are mostly barred from entering, except essential workers.
- Before the Gaza war in October 2023, about 160,000 Palestinians worked in Israel; this number fell to around 27,300 by mid-2024.
- Unemployment among Palestinians in the West Bank rose from about 13% in September 2023 to over 30% a year later.
- The United Nations counts 925 obstacles, including 300+ checkpoints, that restrict the movement of 3.4 million Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
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