Middle East Monitor / September 18, 2023
The Israeli occupation army this morning imposed heightened security measures by shutting down all military checkpoints and installing iron barriers surrounding the northern West Bank city of Nablus, reported WAFA news agency.
According to local witnesses, the occupying forces sealed off the Deir Sharaf checkpoint situated along a major road linking Nablus, Jenin and Tulkarm, and interrogated Palestinian drivers while also inspecting their vehicles, causing severe delays to traffic.
Occupation authorities also shut down the Sorra checkpoint in both directions, blocking residents from using it, along with the Huwara checkpoint to the south of Nablus and an additional road in the vicinity.
As a result, there were lengthy queues of vehicles at all entry points, which severely impeded transportation and caused gridlock, witnesses told Anadolu.
The Israeli military reported that gunfire was directed at the Deir Sharah checkpoint and that its officers were searching for the shooters.
This comes a day after Israeli occupation forces injured 30 Palestinians while conducting a military operation in the Palestinian village of Beita, located to the south of Nablus.
Local residents shared on social media that Israeli forces confiscated security cameras from the village.
The village has been closed off since Friday, with residents restricted from entering or exiting, while Israel marks the Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah.
