العربية
HE
العربية
HE
On October 7, 2023, following Hamas' attack on Israeli communities and the outbreak of war, the checkpoints around Jerusalem's perimeter were closed. These checkpoints intersect between Jerusalem and the neighborhoods beyond the wall, which are also situated within the city's municipal boundaries, inhabited by permanent residents and citizens of Israel. The Qalandia checkpoint resumed operation only two weeks after the outbreak of the war, in a partial and highly restricted manner. The outcome is a near-complete closure for the Jerusalem residents residing in Aqab village.
On November 7, 2023, HaMoked, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel and Ir Amim petitioned the High Court of Justice, demanding a return to normal operation at the checkpoint. The petition described the severe restrictions on movement at the checkpoint and the substantial disruption caused to the residents' daily lives. It asserted that while the need to bolster security at the perimeter checkpoints due to the current emergency Israel is facing is understandable, security needs cannot justify the sustained and severe infringement on the rights of thousands of people to freedom of movement. These restrictions prevent their access to urgent healthcare services, employment, educational institutions, welfare services, and other essential services.
