Israel closes West Bank checkpoints

Israeli forces have tightened security at the Al-Container checkpoint in Bethlehem and at Qalandia in northern Jerusalem, preventing vehicles from crossing. Witnesses said that the checkpoints’ closure has led to traffic jams and has prevented people from travelling to their workplaces in the West Bank cities. The Al-Container checkpoint is on the only road that connects the northern and southern West Bank. The closure followed the Palestinian Authority President, Mahmoud Abbas’ speech which confirmed that the Palestinians would continue their bid for formal statehood when the United Nations meets next week in New York. This decision has alarmed Israel. The General Union of Palestinian Women is preparing to protest in front of the Qalandia checkpoint this afternoon in support of the Palestinian Authority’s decision.