Palestinian Territories: Authorities to impose a nightly curfew in the Gaza Strip April 22-29 due to COVID-19 activity /update 54

Event

Authorities in the Gaza Strip will impose a nightly curfew April 22-29 as part of efforts to combat an increase in COVID-19 activity; the curfew will begin after sunset prayers and extend until the call for dawn prayers. All pedestrian and vehicular traffic will be prohibited during curfew hours. Furthermore, all businesses and other establishments, including mosques, must close.

Vehicular travel remains prohibited throughout Gaza on Fridays and Saturdays until further notice. Wedding halls and popular weekly markets are closed. Authorities have reiterated that funerals and weddings may no longer take place outdoors on public streets or in private homes. All gatherings in public areas and parks are banned. All individuals must wear protective face coverings and adhere to social distancing guidelines when in public. All travelers arriving in Gaza must quarantine at government-run facilities for 21 days. The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip is operating.

The Palestinian Authority (PA) has gradually eased some COVID-19 restrictions in the West Bank. All businesses in the territory are permitted to operate between 06:00-19:00 on Saturdays; previously, only essential businesses were permitted to operate. Restaurants, stores, and industrial sector businesses have been allowed to increase their operating capacities to 50 percent; banks have resumed their operations with limited services.

COVID-19 restrictions that remain in place in the West Bank include:

• A nightly 19:00-06:00 curfew is in effect across the territory.

• Travel between all governorates in the West Bank is prohibited; only medical personnel and workers transporting essential goods are exempt.

• On Fridays, movement is prohibited in all governorates. All nonessential businesses must close; only pharmacies and bakeries can operate.

• Except as specified otherwise, government institutions and civil and private establishments must limit their operations to no more than 30 percent capacity.

• Travel to and from the West Bank is prohibited. Palestinians who work in Israel are not permitted to reenter the West Bank; authorities have instructed affected individuals to remain at their workplaces for the duration of the closure.

• All social gatherings, including weddings and funerals, remain banned until further notice.

• Facemasks and social distancing are mandatory in public; violations are punishable by fines.

The existing state of emergency in the West Bank remains in effect through at least May 3. The measure grants authorities the power to enact localized lockdowns in areas witnessing spikes in COVID-19 cases. Authorities are monitoring the epidemiological situation throughout the West Bank and will enact localized lockdowns on areas with increased disease activity. The Allenby crossing between the West Bank and Jordan is closed until further notice. The restriction applies to all travelers except those approved for humanitarian reasons.

Officials could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks. Border crossings between Israel and the Palestinian Territories may close with little-to-no advance notice.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)