On 23 September 2025, the Israeli occupying authorities announced the multiple indefinite closures of the Allenby Bridge, the only crossing point connecting the occupied West Bank with the rest of the world, until further notice.
This was the second closure of Allenby Bridge in the span of a week, the first occurring after a shooting operation on 18 September 2025, when a truck driver coming from Jordan opened fire in the border area, resulting in the death of two Israeli soldiers. The closure was ordered directly by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While there were no official announcements regarding the reasons for closing the Bridge until further notice, it is speculated to be part of Israel’s response to the wave of reconciliation of the Palestinian State currently taking place by multiple States, including the UK, Canada, and Australia.
According to the Jordanian General Authority for Crossings and Borders, the Kingdom was officially informed that the closure would apply in both directions, effectively halting all passenger movement.
What Does the Bridge Represent for Palestinians?
The Allenby Crossing constitutes the sole gateway for Palestinians in the West Bank to the outside world, as Israel prevents the establishment of a Palestinian airport or the use of Jerusalem Airport and the historic Qalandia Airport.
More than 3 million Palestinians in the West Bank rely exclusively on this bridge for international travel.
The closure of the crossing is therefore tantamount to shutting down the only airport of an entire nation, resulting in total paralysis of movement and collective isolation.
Humanitarian Consequences of the Closure
- Tens of thousands stranded abroad: Palestinians in Jordan and other countries are unable to return home and are forced to incur additional accommodation and living expenses.
Financial loss: These closure also imposes significant financial burdens on Palestinians who are forced to remain in Jordan, often have to cover hotel and living expenses against their will, especially for those who don’t have families in Jordan to stay with them. Thousands of travelers have been turned back after long hours of waiting in humiliating and exhausting conditions, further exacerbating their suffering. - Patients deprived of medical care: Thousands receiving treatment in Jordan or abroad are prevented from accessing healthcare, posing a direct threat to their lives.
- Students’ futures at risk: University students studying abroad are unable to reach their institutions, jeopardizing their academic progress.
- Family separation: Thousands of families are denied reunification or the ability to see their loved ones, leaving them in a state of anxiety and uncertainty.
- Degrading conditions at the crossing: Long queues, exhausting hours of waiting, and complete uncertainty about reopening the bridge create a situation of humiliation and inhumanity.
International Law
- The closure constitutes collective punishment, which is explicitly prohibited under international humanitarian law, as per Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which forbids punishing protected persons for acts they did not commit.
- These closures represent a clear violation of the right to freedom of movement, enshrined in Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 12 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees the right of every individual to leave and return to their own country.
- As the occupying power, Israel’s action undermines its obligations under international law and reflects a systematic policy of blockade and isolation imposed on the Palestinian people.
Israel’s security pretext cannot justify the closure of the Allenby Bridge. Rather, it constitutes a politically motivated punitive measure targeting the Palestinian population as a whole. The consequences extend far beyond restricting freedom of movement, infringing upon other fundamental rights, including the right to health, education, work, and family life. This policy forms part of a broader colonial system of control that systematically deprives Palestinians of their most basic rights to mobility and connection with the outside world.
References:
[1] Israel shuts crossing that connects occupied West Bank to Jordan | Israel-[2] Palestine conflict News | Al Jazeera
Israel closes only West Bank-Jordan border crossing | The National
[3] Allenby Crossing: After Israel shuts only West Bank gateway to the outside world, Palestinians fear more restrictions | CNN