Israel’s West Bank road closures turn routine journeys into long ordeals

Israeli restrictions in the occupied West Bank significantly disrupt Palestinian lives, exemplified by the death of Zahriya Abu Hijleh, who died from a pulmonary embolism after delays caused by checkpoints. An ambulance could not enter her village due to a closed gate, forcing medical personnel to carry her on foot to the second ambulance. Mohammed Abu Hijleh laments the loss of his mother, blaming the delays from these repeated closures. Israeli military checkpoints and iron gates frequently hinder access to healthcare and essential services in the region.