Israel erected nearly 1,000 barriers in West Bank since the war

Israeli military raids have increased in the West Bank, resulting in the killing or arrest of several Palestinians. Israel states its aim is to eliminate extremism. The new barriers include metal gates installed at the entrances to many villages and towns, as well as between towns.

New Delhi: Since the war with Hamas began, Israel has erected nearly 1,000 barriers in West Bank cities and towns, making movement and daily life more difficult for Palestinians, a local government body reported.

The Israeli military has imposed restrictions on movement and access to the West Bank since the 1967 Middle East War. However, local residents reported that the recent number of new barriers is the first time such a significant number has been erected. According to the Palestinian government body, the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission, 916 gates, barriers, and walls have been built since the Hamas-led invasion of October 7, 2023.

Israeli military raids have increased in the West Bank, resulting in the killing or arrest of several Palestinians. Israel states its aim is to eliminate extremism. The new barriers include metal gates installed at the entrances to many villages and towns, as well as between towns. These gates restrict movement. Israeli forces are sometimes stationed at these gates.

18 new gates installed in the first two weeks of September: United Nations
Palestinians say these gates open and close at odd hours. Some gates remain closed for several days. People sometimes go to sleep at friends' or relatives' homes or walk around the gates to reach their destinations. The United Nations reported that 18 new gates were installed in the West Bank in the first two weeks of September. In addition, there are large earthen mounds and concrete barriers that restrict Palestinian movement and access to health and education. These barriers are placed in the middle of roads, preventing cars from getting around them.

Some of the new gates also block roads connecting the northern and southern West Bank, forcing the three million Palestinians living there to take a long detour. A journey that previously took 20 minutes now takes over an hour.

Gates installed to monitor people's movements: Israeli Army
The Israeli army says these gates are not intended to stop people, but rather to control and monitor their movements. A military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said their forces are operating under a complex security situation in the West Bank, where extremists hide among civilians, and therefore, continuous surveillance efforts are being made in various areas.

'Barriers negatively impacting people's lives'
Local residents reported that cameras have been installed at some gates. They also said that these barriers are negatively impacting their lives. "Everything has stopped in the current situation. Everything has come to a standstill," said Ezzedine al-Sayouri of Deir Dibwan village. "The gates are preventing people from coming to their gyms, and they are now considering closing their businesses and leaving the country."