Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has ordered the closure of all crossings in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip from 5-7 October, citing security assessments and recommendations from the military. The comprehensive closure will have exceptions for essential medical staff and healthcare workers with prior approval from relevant authorities. Katz's decision aims to maintain security during the anniversary of the 7 October 2023 attacks.
The closure of crossings around Bethlehem and a general closure across the West Bank will be in effect from 5-7 October. Israeli forces have tightened restrictions at military checkpoints across the West Bank, accompanied by searches and detentions of Palestinians. Palestinian Red Crescent teams reported the death of Palestinian security officer Raafat Khairy Ahmed Abu Khalil, who died after suffering cardiac arrest while being detained by Israeli occupation troops at the Anab military checkpoint east of the governorate.
Abu Khalil, a captain in the Military Training Authority in Jericho, was among those affected by the increased military measures. Israeli occupation forces also tightened measures around Ramallah and Al-Bireh, closing several roads and entrances. The forces launched raids and arrest operations across several areas of the West Bank early on Sunday, resulting in the arrest of 15 Palestinians, including a male and female journalist, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Media Office.
Alongside the military raids, Israeli settlers have stepped up attacks on Palestinians and their property. In the village of Umm Safa, northwest of Ramallah, settler-operated bulldozers began clearing agricultural land to expand an outpost established in 2024 on Jabal Al-Ras. In Nablus governorate, settlers attacked a farmer while picking olives in the Mahfuriya area of Aqraba, beating him and stealing his olive harvest and farming equipment.
Palestinian farmers face growing difficulties during this year's olive harvest amid an increase in settler attacks, which Palestinians say are carried out under the protection of Israeli forces. The attacks threaten crops and make it increasingly difficult for farmers to reach their land safely. The Palestinian Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission documented 2,051 attacks by Israeli forces and settlers against Palestinians, their land, and property last month.
In Gaza, a Palestinian was killed in an Israeli strike west of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday. A medical source reported that the man was killed and another seriously wounded in an Israeli drone strike northwest of Khan Younis. Israeli artillery also shelled areas east of Gaza City, resulting in the deaths of three Palestinians, including a girl, in Deir Al-Balah and Khan Younis since Sunday morning.
The Palestinian death toll since the start of Israel's war on Gaza has risen to 74,237, while the number of wounded stands at 175,206, according to Gaza hospital sources. The escalation of violence and military measures in the West Bank and Gaza Strip has resulted in significant human impact, with continued bloodshed and restrictions affecting Palestinians.
Key points
- Israel closes West Bank and Gaza crossings from 5-7 October for 7 October 2023 attacks anniversary
- Israeli forces and settlers step up attacks on Palestinians and their property in the West Bank
- Gaza death toll rises to 74,237 since start of Israel's war on Gaza
