Israeli army to enforce comprehensive closure in West Bank on anniversary of Oct. 7

Israel’s military has announced plans for a “comprehensive closure” of the occupied West Bank on the first anniversary of the October 7 attacks.

According to Israel’s state television, KAN, authorities will establish a “complete security perimeter” around the West Bank by closing crossing points into Israel to prevent the passage of Palestinian workers.

In anticipation of potential incidents on October 7, the anniversary of the Aqsa Flood attacks, the Israeli military has decided to increase its presence “in the occupied West Bank and across all fronts.”

Context of the Gaza Invasion Post-October 7

Hamas’s armed wing, the Izzedin al-Qassam Brigades, launched a large-scale assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, citing the need to respond to “continuous violations against Palestinians and sacred sites, particularly Al-Aqsa Mosque.”

Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis were killed and 5,132 injured in the October 7 attacks.

Since October 7, Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of approximately 41,870 Palestinians, including around 17,000 children and 11,378 women, with 97,166 injured. Reports indicate that thousands remain buried under rubble, as civil infrastructure, including hospitals and educational institutions, continues to be targeted.

The Israeli military announced that since the onset of attacks on Gaza on October 7, 724 soldiers have died—346 of them during ground operations—and 4,448 have been injured.

During a “humanitarian pause” from November 24, 2023, lasting four days and later extended by three days, 81 Israelis and 240 Palestinians were mutually released. However, Israel continues to detain and imprison thousands of Palestinians.

Since October 7, 2023, 741 Palestinians have been killed in clashes with Israeli soldiers and settlers in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.