20 Mar 2019 | 04:37 AM UTC
Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Border crossings closed during Purim Mar. 20-23
Israel to close all West Bank and Gaza border crossings from March 20-23 during Purim; heightened security measures expected
Event
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that all Palestinian border crossings would be closed from 00:00 (local time) on Wednesday, March 20, until 23:59 on Saturday, March 23, during the Purim holiday. Exceptions will reportedly only be granted in "humanitarian, medical, and exceptional cases." The closure does not apply to Israeli settlements inside West Bank. Crowded conditions, transportation disruptions, and heightened security measures are also expected during this time.
Context
Purim is an annual Jewish holiday celebrating the story of Esther. Festivities begin at sundown of Wednesday, March 20, and officially ends at sundown on Thursday, March 21.
The decision to close the borders was made following an attack on Sunday, March 17, in West Bank where a Palestinian killed an IDF soldier and stole his service rifle, shooting several others. IDF soldiers reportedly killed the suspect on Tuesday, March 19.
Advice
Individuals in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are advised to monitor developments to the situation, adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities, and anticipate transportation disruptions and heightened security measures.
