Israel has announced the indefinite closure of the sole crossing between the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Jordan, effective Wednesday. This decision comes shortly after the crossing was reopened following an incident that resulted in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers.
The Allenby Crossing, managed by Israeli authorities, will cease operations on Wednesday morning under instructions from political leadership. The closure was confirmed by a spokesperson, but no specific reason was provided in the statement.
Both Palestinian and Jordanian authorities had earlier indicated the impending closure of the border by Israel. The crossing plays a crucial role as the primary route for many Palestinians in the West Bank to travel internationally and facilitates the transportation of goods between Jordan and the West Bank.
Following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement regarding a forthcoming response to nations recognizing a Palestinian state, several countries, including Canada, France, Britain, and Australia, have moved towards or plan to recognize Palestine in support of a two-state solution.
The reopening of the Allenby Crossing was short-lived, as it was shut down again after a Jordanian truck driver fatally shot two Israeli soldiers. Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition allies have urged annexation of the West Bank in response to these events.
A recent report by a United Nations commission highlighted Israel’s alleged intentions to establish permanent control over Gaza and ensure a Jewish majority in the West Bank. The report documented extensive demolition of civilian infrastructure in Gaza by Israeli authorities, leading to increased control over a significant portion of the Gaza Strip.
Israel has maintained that its actions are directed against the Hamas militant group in Gaza and not the general population. Dismissing the UN report, the Israeli mission in Geneva emphasized Hamas’ hostile intentions towards Israel.
The report also noted Israeli policies aimed at forcibly transferring Palestinians, expanding Jewish settlements, and annexing the entire West Bank. It highlighted violent attacks by settlers resulting in displacement and the militarization of areas in the West Bank.
The report, which will be presented to the UN General Assembly, accused Israeli authorities of deliberately inflicting conditions to harm Palestinians in Gaza, potentially constituting genocide. Israel has vehemently denied such accusations and rejects claims of genocide in Gaza following previous conflicts.
The ongoing conflict has had severe humanitarian consequences, with significant casualties and reports of famine in parts of Gaza. Israel continues its ground operations in Gaza City amid escalating tensions in the region.
