Israel Tightens Grip on West Bank Amid Iran War, Imposes Full Lockdown
As regional focus shifts to the Israel-Iran war, the occupation escalates its crackdown on the West Bank through closures, restrictions, and intensified settlement expansion.
Watan-As the war between Israel and Iran rages on since June 13, the West Bank is witnessing a dangerous escalation in Israeli measures, with the occupation seemingly working to impose new realities on the ground while the region remains preoccupied with military developments.
Cities and villages across the West Bank have been placed under strict lockdown in recent days by Israeli forces, amid official silence from the Palestinian Authority and a rapid deterioration in living conditions. The Israeli actions have included city entrances sealed off, commercial shops forcibly closed, military checkpoints intensified, and prayers banned at both the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Ibrahimi Mosque.
Palestinian journalist Mohammad Abu Thabet stated:“The occupation has declared a complete closure, severely limiting economic activity and blocking the entry of essential food supplies.”
He added:“Israel is exploiting the current regional conflict to establish full control over the West Bank and accelerate the handover of land to settlers.”
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority is facing heavy criticism for what many see as a passive stance, particularly in light of its continued security coordination with Israel and its failure to address what observers describe as a systematic takeover of the West Bank.
