At The Same Time It Started Bombing Iran, Israel Also Imposed A Total Lockdown On The West Bank
The Israeli government claimed that the West Bank lockdown was a “preventative” security measure in light of its conflict with Iran.
At the same time Israel began bombing Iran, it also imposed a total lockdown on the occupied West Bank.
On Friday, June 13, Israel launched a large-scale, unprovoked attack on Iran’s nuclear and military facilities, and since then, the two countries have been exchanging attacks, with dozens killed on both sides, plunging the Middle East into a new war.
After initiating the attacks, Israel then imposed a new lockdown on the West Bank on Friday, including sealing off entrances to Palestinian cities and villages with iron gates, concrete barriers and numerous checkpoints, severely restricting Palestinians’ movement and access to essential services.
Israeli forces have barricaded entrances to cities such as Jericho, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Tulkarm and Nablus, effectively isolating Palestinian communities from each other and from surrounding areas.
Israel has limited or denied movement, including for ambulances and farmers, disrupting daily life.
The Israeli military is also intensifying its military operations in the West Bank, including launching raids, night arrests and airstrikes, especially in refugee camps like Jenin and Tulkarm.
Palestinians said that people trying to approach the checkpoints were met with live fire, stun grenades and tear gas from Israeli soldiers in some places, Al Jazeera reported.
Israeli soldiers have also expelled dozens of families from their homes and turned them into military positions.
The Israeli government claimed that the West Bank lockdown was a “preventative” security measure in light of its conflict with Iran to stop unrest or attacks during a period of heightened military activity.
But Palestinian residents and officials say that Israel is using the conflict with Iran as cover to intensify restrictions to annex West Bank lands and expand illegal settlements.
Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel has killed at least 943 Palestinians in the West Bank, more than 200 of them minors, according to the UN.
Meanwhile, Israel is also continuing its attacks on Gaza, killing more than 55,432, including 338 Palestinians while trying to reach aid from the controversial US-backed aid agency, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
Cherry Mohamed
Kassy Cho
Sofia Hou
