West Bank Closures
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The West Bank closure system comprises a series of obstacles including checkpoints, partial checkpoints, agricultural and road gates, observation towers, earthmounds, roadblocks, tunnels, earth walls, road barriers, trenches and permit restrictions placed by the the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Israel claims that the obstacles are there for counter-terrorism purposes and that the road obstacles also effect all Israelis (Jews&non Jews) in areas where Israel attempts to limit the threat of terrorism.
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[edit] Checkpoints
There are 68 checkpoints manned by IDF and/or Border Police throughout the West Bank. These checkpoints usually consist of a barrier with observation towers and other physical blocks used to control pedestrian and vehicular access.
[edit] Partial Checkpoints
There are 8 partial checkpoints, ie; an established checkpoint operating periodically. Partial checkpoints also exist within 'Israel proper' and is applied to all citizens.
[edit] Observation Towers
These are elevated military towers to monitor/control Palestinian pedestrian and vehicular access.
[edit] Road Gates
A metal gate, often manned by IDF, used to control movement along roads. There are 67 of these in the West Bank.
[edit] Roadblocks
A series of one metre concrete blocks used to obstruct vehicle access. There are currently 50 of these in the West Bank.
[edit] Earth Mounds
A mound of rubble, dirt and/or rocks normally placed at road junctions used to obstruct vehicle access. There are currently 275 separate earth mounds in the West Bank.
[edit] Trenches
There are currently 10 separate trenches in the West Bank making 31,000 metres of trenches. These are placed to prevent vehicle access.
[edit] Road Barriers
Secures the passage of Israeli settlers on restricted roads. These fences impede Palestinians from traveling over major roads leading to the main cities. There are 25 of these in the West Bank totalling 37,600 metres.
[edit] The Permit System
The permit system is complex and applied differently from region to region. A permit eases travel and reduces the risk of being turned back at a checkpoint. Permits are necessary for crossing specific checkpoints, accessing the Jordan Valley, the 'closed area' between the Green Line and the Israeli West Bank Barrier and for entering East Jerusalem.
[edit] Barrier Gates
Allows restricted movement through the West Bank Barrier to Palestinian lands and to Israel. Permits are required for Palestinians to pass through a gate. Thirty-eight of the seventy-three Barrier gates are open to Palestinians with appropriate permits.
[edit] References
- OCHA oPt map of West Bank closures - Jun 06
- OCHA oPt map of East Jerusalem region closures - Jun 06
- OCHA oPt map of Nablus region closures - Jun 06
- OCHA oPt map of Tubas region closures - Jun 06
- OCHA oPt map of Salfit region closures - Jun 06
- OCHA oPt map of Ramallah region closures - Jun 06
- OCHA oPt map of Qalqiliya region closures - Jun 06
- OCHA oPt map of Jenin region closures - Jun 06
- OCHA oPt map of Hebron region closures - Jun 06
- OCHA oPt map of Bethlehem region closures - Jun 06
- OCHA oPt map of Jericho region closures - Jun 06
- OCHA oPt map of Tulkarm region closures - Jun 06
