Israel Closes Then Plans Partial Reopening of Sole West Bank-Jordan Crossing Amid Rising Tensions

Israel indefinitely closed the Allenby Bridge (Karama Crossing), the only land crossing between the occupied West Bank and Jordan, following a shooting incident where a Jordanian truck driver killed two Israeli soldiers. This closure has severely impacted over three million Palestinians by restricting travel, family visits, and the transport of commercial and humanitarian goods, prompting the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to condemn it as collective punishment. Thousands of Palestinians were stranded on the Jordanian side, facing harsh conditions and mounting difficulties due to the abrupt shutdown. Despite the closure, Israel announced it will partially reopen the crossing for passenger traffic starting Friday, though commercial transport remains restricted. The situation highlights heightened tensions and growing restrictions, including new Israeli military gates in the West Bank, which rights groups say aim to further divide and isolate Palestinian areas. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's government is also responding to international moves recognizing Palestinian statehood, with some coalition members advocating for annexation of the West Bank.