Gaza Herald – Israeli military orders impose movement restrictions at Jenin camp entrances and the Bartaa crossing until January 1, 2028. The directives restrict vehicle passage through designated checkpoints without specific authorization from the military commander or their delegate.
The measures were issued under the title “Instructions Regarding Restriction of Movement and Traffic (Jenin Area), 5787-2026.” These regulations explicitly supersede any other permits allowing passage through the covered barriers during the specified period.
According to the text of the order, exceptions are granted only to soldiers, police officers, security forces, and rescue personnel while performing their official duties. The restrictions apply to the three main entrances of the Jenin refugee camp as well as areas near the Bartaa crossing located southwest of the city.
This expansion of control aims to limit mobility across the region significantly. The military directive does not explicitly ban residents from returning to their homes until 2028 but severely complicates access by controlling vehicular movement through established checkpoints.
These constraints pose serious challenges for displaced families attempting to reach the camp. Many residents were forced to flee during recent operations and now face difficulties navigating the restricted zones to return to their neighborhoods and houses.
A wide-scale military operation began in Jenin camp on January 21, 2025. This campaign resulted in the displacement of large numbers of people alongside extensive destruction of residential buildings, infrastructure, and public facilities throughout the area.
The ongoing military presence continues to impact daily life significantly. Residents remain uncertain about when normalcy will return given the prolonged nature of these administrative closures and the physical damage sustained by local structures.
Local observers express concern that the extended timeline creates uncertainty regarding the duration of displacement. The combination of strict movement controls and widespread devastation raises questions about the feasibility of restoring community life in the near future.
The situation remains fluid as authorities maintain tight control over access points. Families continue to monitor developments closely hoping for opportunities to resume their lives within the camp boundaries despite the current legal framework prohibiting unrestricted travel.
This report was produced in the Gaza Herald newsroom.
