West Bank Lockdown: Six-Hour Waits Trap Palestinians

Israel tightened military checkpoints across the central West Bank on Tuesday, isolating the city of Ramallah and leaving Palestinians stranded for hours. Motorists reported waiting up to six hours to pass. The closures disrupted travel, work and access to medical care. Ramallah, the administrative center of the Palestinian Authority, was effectively cut off from surrounding areas. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the reason for the tightened restrictions. Checkpoints are a daily feature of life in the West Bank. Palestinians say the closures amount to collective punishment. Israel says they are needed for security. The full impact on businesses and hospitals remained unclear.