Israel has closed the Allenby Bridge crossing, the only passage between the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Jordan, affecting over two million Palestinians. The closure began Wednesday morning, mandated by the Israeli airports authority at the behest of political leadership. The reason for the closure has not been specified.
This decision has left many Palestinians stranded in the West Bank, disrupting their travel plans and preventing those abroad from returning home. The closure follows a recent incident where two Israeli military personnel were killed near the crossing by a Jordanian gunman, who was also shot dead at the scene. Although the crossing was briefly shut after this event, it had reopened until the recent indefinite closure.
The Allenby Bridge, located approximately halfway between Amman and Jerusalem, serves as the sole authorized entry point to the West Bank not passing through Israeli territory. Most Palestinians are barred from using Israeli airports or crossing points, making this bridge crucial for their connection to the outside world.
The closure has prompted concerns among prominent Palestinian figures, such as politician Mustafa Barghouti, who described it as a means of “imprisoning” the population and severing family connections across borders. Individuals like Maxim Giacaman, a medical student, expressed distress over losing opportunities due to the inability to travel.
Additionally, the crossing is significant for trade and aid; Israeli authorities estimate that around 9% of humanitarian aid to Gaza passes through it. The indefinite closure has raised fears among Palestinians that it may be a reaction to recent international recognition of the State of Palestine by multiple countries, which Israeli officials have condemned as a “reward for terrorism.”
Since the commencement of hostilities triggered by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, Israeli control measures in the West Bank have significantly increased. These measures include new checkpoints, expanded settlement activities, and intensified military operations against Palestinian groups. The situation remains tense, with various voices calling for a reevaluation of international responses to Israeli policies.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9wd74r0qdvo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss