Israel introduces new restrictions on Palestinians accessing their own villages

Israeli forces have introduced new restrictions requiring Palestinian residents of three occupied West Bank communities to obtain permits to enter their own areas. The affected villages, Beit Iksa, Nabi Samuil, and the Khalayleh neighbourhood, are located northwest of occupied East Jerusalem. Residents fear the move signals a step towards de facto annexation, as the permits label the holder as authorized to enter “Israel,” treating the communities as Israeli territory. These communities are already subjected to severe restrictions, surrounded by the Israeli separation wall and military checkpoints, and the new system further constrains residents' freedom of movement.