Bethlehem: Israeli occupation forces have closed two entrances to the town of Tuqu', southeast of Bethlehem, significantly impacting local residents' movement. Tuqu' Municipality Director Tayseer Abu Mufreh reported to WAFA correspondent that the forces installed an iron gate at the entrance to Khirbet al-Deir, leading to Jannata, and placed earth mounds at the Sha'b al-Sane' area entrance within the town.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, a colonist had previously blocked the Tuqu'-Jannata entrance with cement blocks. The occupation forces then reinforced the closure by positioning large boulders in the area. Abu Mufreh noted that these actions are part of a broader strategy to tighten the siege on residents, restricting their daily movement towards Bethlehem and nearby villages.
Since the onset of aggression on the Gaza Strip, Israeli occupation forces have installed about 10 iron gates at key town entrances and neighborhoods, further restricting movement. The Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission recorded that the occupation army has set up 898 military barriers and iron gates throughout the West Bank. Notably, 18 iron gates have been installed since the beginning of 2025, with 146 erected after October 7, 2023.
