Israel introduces new restrictions on Palestinians accessing their own villages

Israeli forces have introduced new restrictions requiring Palestinian residents of three occupied West Bank communities to obtain permits to enter their own areas.

The permits, which label the holder as authorised to enter “Israel”, suggest the three communities - located northwest of occupied East Jerusalem - are being treated as part of Israeli territory.

Residents fear the move signals a step towards the de facto annexation of the areas amid ongoing Israeli efforts to assert control over parts of the West Bank.

The affected communities - the villages of Beit Iksa and Nabi Samuil, along with the Khalayleh neighbourhood - have long been subjected to severe Israeli restrictions. 

They are surrounded by the Israeli separation wall on one side and military checkpoints on the other.

Under the new system, permits are limited to specific locations and purposes, placing significant constraints on residents' freedom of movement.

Read more: Israel imposes permits for Palestinians to access their own West Bank villages