Israel has closed the only crossing between the Israeli-occupied West Bank and neighbouring Jordan, stopping more than two million Palestinians from accessing the outside world.
The Israeli airports authority, which oversees the Allenby Bridge crossing, stated it would remain closed indefinitely from Wednesday morning at the direction of the political leadership, without providing a clear reason.
This closure has left many Palestinians stranded in the West Bank, unable to proceed with planned trips abroad, while those already outside are unable to return home.
The decision follows a recent incident where two Israeli military personnel were shot dead by a Jordanian gunman near the crossing, bringing heightened scrutiny and security measures to the area.
Originally named the King Hussein Bridge, the crossing is vital as it is the only official point between the West Bank and Jordan that does not require passage through Israel.
Prominent Palestinian politician Mustafa Barghouti labeled the closure a dangerous move that effectively imprisons those in the West Bank: You're talking here about disrupting the relationship between hundreds of thousands of families who are usually connected through Jordan, he stated.
The closure of the Allenby Bridge is of particular concern amid growing tensions following recognition efforts for the State of Palestine from several countries. Many Palestinians fear this move indicates a larger Israeli strategy to restrict their movement and maintain control over the territory.
Maxim Giacaman, a medical student from Bethlehem, expressed his frustration, stating, I have a rotation for one month in Germany for cardiac surgery. It was a big opportunity for my medical future, and I can't get there now because of this closure. This incident underscores the broader humanitarian issues at play, where barriers to mobility directly affect education, healthcare access, and family connections.
As concerns mount over the implications of this crossing closure, calls for international intervention have intensified, highlighting what many see as an urgent need for a reassessment of policies impacting Palestinian autonomy and daily life.
