East Jerusalem Closure: Collective Punishment of Palestinians

On October 14, 2015, Israeli security forces in Jerusalem began imposing a closure policy in accordance with a decision taken during that day’s cabinet meeting. As part of this policy, manned checkpoints and concrete roadblocks have been placed at various entry points to Palestinian villages and neighborhoods in occupied East Jerusalem, as well as on internal roads.

Roadblock in the Palestinian neighborhood of Jabal al-Mukabber

Roadblock in the Palestinian neighborhood of Jabal al-Mukabber (Photo: B’Tselem)

B’Tselem’s field researchers have documented 35 concrete roadblocks, 21 of which completely prevent the passage of vehicles. Four of these 21 are manned by units from Israel’s Border Police who check pedestrians wishing to cross. A fifth impediment, on the road from el-‘Esawiyah to the Hadassah Mt. Scopus Hospital, is constructed of boulders and soil and has been in place for many years, but has only recently has been manned by police. The remaining 16 hermetically-closed roadblocks are unmanned. Another 14 checkpoints manned by the Border Police allow the passage of traffic subject to random inspections of the vehicles and passengers.

These new checkpoints and roadblocks are in addition to the 12 permanent checkpoints which divide East Jerusalem from the remainder of the West Bank as well as from a number of East Jerusalem neighborhoods whose residents are condemned to life on the “wrong side” of the Separation Barrier. Over the last few days, B’Tselem has also documented several “flying” (mobile) checkpoints in various parts of the city at which police randomly stop traffic and inspect drivers and passengers.

The large number of checkpoints and roadblocks now in place throughout East Jerusalem seriously disrupt the daily routine of about 300,000 Palestinians who reside there. While the closure is not 100% hermetic, in most areas it channels all traffic into alternative routes, creating many traffic jams. In the el-‘Esawiyah neighborhood, which is home to over 15,000 people, the security forces have left only one access road open to traffic. Inspections also significantly delay traffic. As a result of all these factors, school children and students arrive late for their studies and workers are late for their jobs.

According to B’Tselem “Restricting the freedom of movement of all Palestinians in East Jerusalem, most of whom have no bearing on the attacks against Israelis, constitutes collective punishment that is prohibited under international law. Such punishment primarily harms the most vulnerable members of society, who find it hardest to move around, and takes a heavy toll on the residents’ livelihood and daily routine. It is an illegal and immoral approach that ignores the fact that the Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem, who live under occupation, regularly suffer grave discrimination and ongoing violation of their human rights.”

Related:

http://www.btselem.org/jerusalem/20151020_jm_clusre