A new fence built by Israeli forces has effectively enclosed the Palestinian town of Sinjil in the West Bank, leaving its residents feeling trapped. The metal barrier, five meters high, cuts through the eastern side of the town and limits access to just one guarded entrance.
Sinjil, located in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, now resembles a prison, say many residents. Mousa Shabaneh, a 52-year-old father of seven, lost his tree nursery after the fence split through his land. “All the trees I had were burned and lost,” he said. “In the end, they cut off our livelihood.”
The Israeli military says the fence is necessary to protect the Ramallah-Nablus highway. They claim it will prevent stone-throwing and maintain public order. Despite the restricted access, the military insists residents still have “free access” through the single remaining entrance.
For the 8,000 people living in Sinjil, life has become increasingly difficult. According to deputy mayor Bahaa Foqaa, the fence has sealed the town inside just 10 acres, cutting off access to 2,000 acres of private agricultural land. This has affected jobs, farming, and daily life.
Across the West Bank, similar barriers have been rising since the outbreak of the Gaza war. For nearly 3 million Palestinians, checkpoints and fences are now a routine part of life. However, the increase in restrictions has made many feel they are living under constant siege.
Israel argues these fences are essential for security, especially to protect Jewish settlers living in the region. Over 700,000 Israeli settlers now reside in the West Bank. Most of the international community considers these settlements illegal, but Israel claims historic and religious rights to the land.
Israel Gantz, a local settler leader, defended the new fence in Sinjil. He said it was necessary to stop attacks against Jewish drivers on nearby roads.
While Israel maintains the West Bank barriers are for safety, Palestinians see them as a way to suppress their movement and control their land. The future of daily life in Sinjil and other towns across the West Bank remains uncertain.
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