IDF said to establish dozens more West Bank checkpoints during ceasefire, clogging roads

The security cabinet ordered the IDF to establish dozens of additional checkpoints throughout the West Bank during the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire, which has led to mass traffic jams for Palestinians throughout the territory, Haaretz reports.

The move requires the army to stop and search every single Palestinian vehicle passing through the checkpoints, and was directed due to fears of potential unrest, given the release of Palestinian security prisoners as part of the hostage deal. However, Haaretz reports, the decision could itself spark unrest in the territory, with Palestinians now often unable to enter and exit their villages.

One resident of the Ramallah area tells Haaretz that she waited for three hours in traffic in order to get home and was unable to pick up her children from school. “There was never a situation like this — not even at the beginning of the war,” she says.

Another resident of a village outside Ramallah says it now takes eight hours to return home from the city. “What’s the reason for this? We don’t know. It’s a pressure cooker. It’s unbelievable. Going from Ramallah to the village is like going from one country to another,” he tells Haaretz.

Palestinians reported on WhatsApp groups monitoring checkpoints that 38 had closed roads completely, blocking movement.

According to the PA, there are currently 900 checkpoints throughout the West Bank.