Nablus:The United Nations has raised concerns over Israel's increasing use of checkpoints, road gates, and movement restrictions in the occupied West Bank, which are reportedly fragmenting Palestinian territories. Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, highlighted the impact of these measures, stating that they disrupt daily life by causing delays and hindering access to essential services.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency, Albanese pointed out the arbitrariness of the system, emphasizing how it affects every journey and appointment. She cited the tragic case of Ahmed Zaid, a four-month-old who died in July 2026 after being prevented by Israeli soldiers from reaching an ambulance due to a checkpoint delay. This incident, she said, illustrates the human cost of the checkpoint system.
As of December 2025, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported 925 checkpoints and obstacles affecting the movement of around 3.4 million Palestinians, marking the highest number in two decades. Recent investigations indicate that these restrictions have intensified, with significant delays reported in areas like Nablus and Beit Furik.
Albanese linked the proliferation of checkpoints to broader issues in the West Bank, including settler violence, settlement expansion, and the destruction of Palestinian agricultural life. She described the checkpoints as part of a broader system of control that isolates Palestinian communities and violates international law.
The International Court of Justice's July 2024 Advisory Opinion also criticized Israeli policies for fragmenting the West Bank and obstructing Palestinian self-determination. Albanese urged the international community to act swiftly to end these practices and allow Palestinians to exercise their rights freely.