QALQILYA: Israeli occupation forces Thursday evening erected checkpoints to the east of the occupied West Bank city of Qalqilya, according to eyewitnesses. They reported that the checkpoints were established at the entrances of an-Nabi Ilyas, al-Funduq, Jit, and Hajja, as well as another at the city’s eastern entrance. This move obstructed Palestinians’ movement along the main road linking Nablus to Qalqilya, as soldiers inspected vehicles, checked passengers’ ID cards, and caused significant traffic congestion.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, Israel imposes severe restrictions on Palestinians’ freedom of movement using over 100 fixed checkpoints, flying checkpoints, and settler-only roads, along with other physical barriers. These closures, justified under security pretexts, aim to fortify Israel’s 57-year military occupation of the West Bank and its settler colonial agenda, which is maintained through routine and often deadly force against Palestinians.