Nablus: Israeli occupation forces Wednesday evening tightened the movement restrictions at the checkpoints surrounding the occupied West Bank city of Nablus, according to WAFA correspondent.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the occupying forces increased restrictions at checkpoints around the city, sealing off several including the intermittently staffed 'Awarta checkpoint, the permanently staffed al-Muraba'ah checkpoint, and the Sarra checkpoint. These actions resulted in long holds for passengers, ID checks, vehicle inspections, and significant traffic congestion.
The increased military measures across the occupied West Bank followed the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners, coinciding with the Gaza ceasefire that took effect on January 19. These measures have dismembered and isolated cities and governorates using military gates, barriers, and concrete blocks.
Israeli military measures align with ongoing attacks by Israeli colonists across the West Bank, aiming to displace Palestinians from their lands to build illegal Jewish colonies. This creates separation among Palestinian communities.
Israel implements severe restrictions on Palestinians' freedom of movement within the West Bank through a complex system of approximately 898 fixed and flying checkpoints and gates. This includes 18 gates installed since the start of 2025 and 146 others set up after October 7, 2023, along with settler-only roads and over 200 military bases.
These closures and other measures, justified as security operations, are aimed at entrenching Israel's 58-year military occupation of the West Bank and its settler colonial project, enforced with regular and often deadly violence against Palestinians.
