Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Israeli authorities impose full closure on West Bank and Gaza until September 29

Event

Israeli authorities have imposed a full closure on the West Bank and Gaza Strip from Sunday, September 27, until 00:00 (local time) on Tuesday, September 29. The closure coincides with the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. Israeli authorities regularly limiting movement in and out of the Occupied Palestinian Territories during Jewish holidays, citing security risks. Travel for Palestinians between the West Bank and Israel, as well as between the Gaza Strip and Israel, is prohibited for the period of the closure. The closure will not affect Israeli citizens residing in West Bank settlements, and exceptions will be made for humanitarian cases. The closure coincides with the reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, which will be open to Palestinians and residents of Gaza until Tuesday.

A heightened security presence is to be expected at border crossings between Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the duration of the closure. Palestinian protests along the Gaza and West Bank border fences cannot be ruled out.  

Advice

Individuals in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Israel are advised to monitor the situation, avoid large gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.