The Israeli occupation authorities announced on Saturday evening a decision to close all crossings and border terminals in the occupied Palestinian territories, with the decision to take effect starting Sunday. Sources explained that this measure comes amid rapid field developments and escalating military operations in the region, noting that the closure will remain in effect until further notice without specifying a timeframe for reopening.
A statement issued by the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) stated that the decision was taken at the conclusion of a comprehensive security assessment and is directly linked to the military operation launched by the Israeli and American armies. The statement confirmed that the closure would include all crossings in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, including the Rafah land crossing, which is the only lifeline for the Strip's residents to the outside world, exacerbating the imposed siege.
According to the official announcement, the new restrictions will apply to all Palestinians, with very limited exceptions restricted to individuals with 'vital worker' permits to cross through specific, unnamed points. The occupation authorities claimed that this closure would not directly affect the humanitarian situation inside the Gaza Strip, which is contradicted by field data confirming the disruption of supply and passenger movement.
In a related context, Palestinian security sources reported receiving notifications about rocket shrapnel falling in four different areas of the occupied West Bank. Police spokesman Louay Irzeiqat confirmed that this shrapnel fell after loud explosions in the air, noting that no injuries were reported among citizens or significant material damage to property so far.
These developments coincided with the launch of a joint military aggression between Israel and the United States against Iranian targets under the name 'Roar of the Lion,' which prompted the occupation to declare a state of extreme emergency. Sirens were heard blaring in a large number of Israeli settlements, followed by explosions resulting from aerial interception operations in the skies of the West Bank and surrounding areas.
It is worth noting that the occupation has continued to impose strict restrictions on movement through the Rafah crossing for months, as the authorities have refused to adhere to previous understandings regarding the number of travelers since October 2025. This step further increases the suffering of thousands of Palestinians who relied on the crossing for their normal movement before the start of the genocide war and the destruction of infrastructure in the Strip.
It was decided to close all crossings in the West Bank and Gaza Strip - including the Rafah crossing - starting tomorrow until further notice.
שתף את דעתך
The occupation decides to close all West Bank and Gaza crossings, including the Rafah crossing, until further notice