West Bank: Movement and access update, September 2011 – OCHA report

MOVEMENT AND ACCESS IN THE WEST BANK  

التنقل والوصول في الضفة الغربية – ورقة حقائق

September 2011

1. The civilian population of the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) must be allowed to enjoy basic rights guaranteed in international law, including the right to freedom of movement and choice of residence, as well as the right to an adequate standard of living, adequate housing and access to education and healthcare. The Israeli authorities should facilitate the movement of civilians by removing checkpoints and obstacles not necessary for legitimate security purposes.

2. Most movement restrictions in the West Bank were introduced following the outbreak of the second Intifada in September 2000 as temporary measures to contain Palestinian violence. The majority of these have remained in place despite a significant improvement in the security situation, and close cooperation between security forces of the Palestinian Authority and Israel.

3. Despite improvements in the past three years, Palestinians still face difficulties accessing main urban centres in the West Bank. Most Palestinian traffic is funnelled onto secondary and often lower-quality routes affecting their access to services and livelihoods.

4. Access to East Jerusalem is severely restricted by the Barrier, checkpoints and a permit system. This situation has a particularly negative impact on patients and medical staff, who need to access the six specialised hospitals in East Jerusalem, providing services unavailable elsewhere in the oPt. This system also impedes access to Muslim and Christian places of worship in East Jerusalem.

5. Palestinian access to large rural areas in the West Bank is restricted by physical obstacles and bureaucratic requirements. This includes areas located between the Barrier and the Green Line, the Jordan Valley (30 percent of the West Bank), and agricultural land near Israeli settlements, with a severe impact on access to livelihoods and basic services.

6. Most of the movement restrictions imposed on Palestinians aim to protect the 500,000 Israeli settlers living in settlements established in contravention of international humanitarian law, aim to secure land for expansion of settlements, and to improve their connections with Israel.