20.04.2020

Contrary to the revised military order: Palestinians undergoing family unification procedures who live in the Jerusalem neighborhoods beyond the separation wall, are still denied access to the rest of the city

In late March 2020, HaMoked sent an urgent letter to demand the authorities stop preventing Palestinians undergoing family unification procedures who live in Jerusalem neighborhoods beyond the separation wall from crossing the Qalandia and Shu’fat RC checkpoints in order to access the rest of the city. This, pursuant to Israel’s obligation to allow these individuals, who lawfully possess permits of stay in Israel, to conduct their family life in a reasonable manner – such that encompasses their right to life, family life and freedom of movement.

On April 19, 2020 the Israel Police informed HaMoked that the ban on passage had been implemented under the closure order issued by the military’s civil administration due to the coronavirus pandemic, and that the exceptions set in the order did not include allowing passage of holders of family-unification stay permits. However, the letter concluded by stating the military had meanwhile revised the instructions to allow, “at the present time”, the passage of “family-unification permit holders through the Jerusalem Envelope crossings”.

Nonetheless, HaMoked continues to receive complaints from permit holders who have been prevented from accessing the rest of the city. HaMoked therefore sent a follow up letter to demand the new exception be made known to all those operating the checkpoints, to ensure all permit holders can pass freely and without delay.