RAMALLAH — As the sun set over Nablus in the occupied West Bank on Saturday, traffic came to a standstill as residents sought to return home and break their fasts during Ramadan. The Israeli military had sealed the city off from the outside world, imposing near-total restrictions on movement. Just over a week after the U.S. And Israel initiated their joint military actions against Iran, violence from Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank has escalated significantly, compounded by military checkpoints that have been closed without warning.
“It’s so unpredictable,” said Shadya Saif, a 40-year-old Palestinian mother and school teacher from Ramallah. As she attempted to navigate back home from Nablus, she encountered a blockade that left only one checkpoint, Shavei Shomron, open. The sudden closures have forced many Palestinians into a scramble to reach their families during the holy month, often risking delays that could hinder urgent medical care or family visits.
Saif explained her concerns as she traveled in a yellow “service” taxi, the only available public transport in the area. She had made the journey to visit her dying uncle, leaving her chronically ill daughter behind in Nablus. “I was worried I would get stuck here,” she expressed, reflecting the anxiety many Palestinians perceive as they navigate the increasingly restrictive checkpoints.
Israeli soldiers were inspecting every vehicle, leading to frustrating delays. Drivers resorted to turning their cars around and driving against traffic, while some chose to abandon their vehicles to walk through checkpoints in hopes of reaching their families. An elderly woman, praying aloud, shared her own urgency to reunite with relatives in Ein Yabrud, a village near Ramallah.
On March 7, near the Nablus area, roadblocks set up by Israeli settlers further complicated travel. The fear of restrictions and impending shortages loomed large, reminiscent of the Twelve Day War last year, which had resulted in widespread disruptions to life in the West Bank.
Escalating Tensions Amid Military Actions
Following the onset of military actions against Iran, there is palpable anxiety in Ramallah about potential road closures and shortages of essential goods. Aviv Tatarsky, who leads an Israeli protective presence collective, noted that the collective punishment faced by Palestinians is not justified by the broader conflict. “It has nothing to do with anything Palestinians in the West Bank are doing or not doing,” he stated. “And still, there’s an Israeli decision, and life comes to a stop.”
The economic situation is deteriorating, with unemployment in the West Bank soaring to around 40 percent, a stark increase from 13 percent two years ago. Faisal Taha, a taxi driver in Ramallah, lamented his financial struggles, stating, “There is no money, no work. We are in debt, and I have four mouths to feed.”
Shortages and Economic Strain
Dror Etkes, the founder of Kerem Navot, a monitoring organization for settlement construction, expressed that the restrictions are part of a long-term pattern. “They always apply instances of violence to perpetuate more violence,” he stated, citing the ongoing challenges since October 7, 2023, when significant military clampdowns began.
The situation is exacerbated by the Israeli Civil Administration’s restrictions on imports, leading to early signs of flour and fuel shortages in the West Bank. “This is not something new. It happened in June during the Twelve Day War, and it’s kicking off again,” Tatarsky noted. He pointed out that the current blockade strategy includes not only restricting access to Area C but as well limiting movement between Palestinian villages.
Increased Violence from Settlers
As the military actions unfold, Israeli settlers have reportedly intensified their attacks on Palestinian communities in Area C, the portion of the West Bank under full Israeli control. Messages circulating among settler WhatsApp groups have called for violence against Palestinians, mirroring the military operations against Iran. This escalation has led to a significant rise in attacks, with the Palestinian Authority’s news agency estimating a 25 percent increase in settler violence since the beginning of the conflict.
Instances of violence have resulted in fatalities, with six Palestinians reportedly killed since the start of the conflict with Iran, including three in a single event in Khirbet Abu Falah, east of Ramallah. As the global focus remains on Iran, many activists express concerns that settlers feel emboldened, believing they can act with impunity while the government remains silent.
“They will be treated as heroes by their supporters, by their society,” Etkes remarked. “And the government will do nothing about it.”
What Lies Ahead
The current situation raises serious questions about the future for Palestinians in the West Bank. With roadblocks limiting movement and an economy under severe strain, the implications of ongoing military actions and settlement violence could lead to further destabilization. As residents grapple with these changes, the call for international attention and action grows stronger.
As events continue to unfold, Archyde.com encourages readers to stay informed and engaged with the ongoing situation, sharing insights and perspectives on the challenges faced by those in the West Bank.
