Israeli army seals off Palestinian territories

The Israeli army completely sealed off the occupied Palestinian territories this morning until Saturday evening – duration the Jewish holiday of Purim, the Anadolu Agency reported.

“Based on the directions of law makers and after security evaluation, it was decided to completely seal off the West Bank during the Purim holiday,” a statement sent to mass media said. “The closure will end on Saturday evening.”

The statement noted that only cases based on humanitarian needs would be allowed to travel during the blockade and this “must be approved by the army”.

During such closure, Palestinians are banned from travelling from the occupied West Bank through Israeli crossings and checkpoints. Tens of thousands of Palestinian workers will be unable to go to work.

Meanwhile, Israeli general radio reported the army saying: “The Israeli army decided to close Erez crossing between the Gaza Strip and Israel, starting from Wednesday until Friday because of the Purim holiday.”

Israel regularly seals off the occupied Palestinian territories during Israeli and Jewish holidays regardless of the needs of the Palestinians.