Checkpoint on a major road closed for many hours, reopened

Sunday July 13, 2008 20:52 by Palestine News Network - PNN

After a horrific morning for thousands of Palestinians trying to travel within the West Bank, Israeli forces opened the "Container Checkpoint".

The checkpoint known as the "Container" (Photo: Pablo's Public Gallery)

Wadi Nar Road has become the major thoroughfare between the southern and central to northern West Bank since the Israeli closures of East Jerusalem.   The Israeli-imposed closure, going in both directions on Sunday, lasted four hours with no reason given.   Palestinian sources and eyewitnesses confirmed while in direct contact with PNN that Israeli forces detained thousands of citizens and hundreds of cars at the checkpoint between Bethlehem and Abu Dis.   According to eyewitnesses the Israeli occupation forces closed the checkpoint at 6:00 am Sunday without giving any reason. This led to a major lack of freedom of movement, contravening international law. No one could reach Ramallah in the central West Bank and points to the north, nor could they reach the southern districts of Bethlehem and Hebron.   Press sources reported throughout the West Bank that checkpoints were suddenly closed on Sunday morning for intermittent periods.  The Israeli military has yet to claim any reason. Passengers going through this checkpoint in both directions will remain in occupied Palestinian areas, which is common among most of the 500 checkpoints and roadblocks in the West Bank.   

bethlehem | human rights | news report george at imemc dot org