Life in the West Bank under Occupation

Life in the West Bank for Palestinians is fundamentally shaped by the reality of military occupation, which has been in place since 1967. This occupation manifests in numerous ways, influencing everything from freedom of movement and access to resources to economic opportunities and personal security. Understanding daily life requires confronting the complex layers of control and restriction that define the territory.

One of the most visible and impactful aspects of the occupation is the extensive network of checkpoints and roadblocks. These barriers, often staffed by Israeli soldiers, control access between cities, towns, and villages, and restrict movement within the West Bank. Waiting times can be unpredictable and lengthy, turning routine commutes or family visits into arduous journeys.