Israel decides to impose a closure on the West Bank and Gaza crossings to coincide with the anniversary of October 7

Today (Sunday), the Israeli authorities decided to impose a closure on the West Bank and close the crossings leading to the Gaza Strip, next Monday and Wednesday, coinciding with the third anniversary of the attacks on October 7, 2023.

The Israeli Minister of Security, Israel Katz, said in a statement that he approved the army’s recommendation to impose a closure on the fifth and seventh of this month, in light of what he described as an “evaluation of the security situation,” and on the occasion of the commemoration of the events of October 7, 2023.

The decision stipulates the exception of specific cases in the West Bank after obtaining approval from the Coordinator of Israeli Government Activities in the Palestinian Territories, in addition to allowing the passage of essential workers in the health sector and cases related to commitments made by Israel before the Supreme Court, and needs related to the contact zone.

The decision also includes closing the crossings leading to the Gaza Strip during the specified two days. This imposes additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinians through crossing points.

The Israeli statement linked the closure decision to an assessment of the security situation, and on the occasion of commemorating the attacks of October 7, 2023, without referring to a specific security incident behind the decision.

Israel imposes closures on the West Bank on occasions and times that the authorities say require tightening security measures. The restrictions include the movement of Palestinians through barriers and crossings, while allowing exceptions determined by the Israeli authorities.

The closure scheduled for this week coincides with the organization of ceremonies in Israel to commemorate the third anniversary of the attacks, including a ceremony scheduled for tomorrow in Jerusalem for the families of those killed in the attacks and the war.