Israeli Military Builds Checkpoints in Bethlehem

The ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories continues to manifest in daily hardships for residents, with the recent establishment of new military checkpoints west of Bethlehem serving as a stark reminder. These checkpoints, erected at the entrances to villages like Battir, Nahalin, Husan, and Wadi Fukin, disrupt the lives of Palestinians, restricting movement and subjecting them to searches and identity checks.

Tempo's reporting highlights these actions as part of a broader pattern of collective punishment employed by the Israeli authorities. The erection of iron gates and checkpoints is not merely a security measure but a tool to control and subjugate the Palestinian population, impacting their ability to travel freely for work, education, or family matters. This systematic control is a deeply felt reality for those living under occupation.

The scale of these measures is significant, with the Commission for Colonization and Wall Resistance (CWRC) reporting a total of 898 military checkpoints and iron gates across the West Bank. The surge in these installations, particularly the 146 added since October 7, 2023, underscores a heightened level of control and restriction in the aftermath of recent events. This escalation is viewed by Palestinians as an intensification of the occupation's grip.

Furthermore, the recent installation of an iron gate in the Old City of Jerusalem, near the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, is seen as an attempt to alter the historical character of the area and further restrict access for Palestinians. Such actions are perceived not only as security measures but as deliberate efforts to change the demographic and cultural landscape of occupied territories, fueling resentment and resistance.