The Israeli military has effectively transformed the city of Hebron and nearby towns in the southern West Bank into what resembles a “large prison” by severing access with military checkpoints and iron gates, Palestinians told Anadolu.

These measures began after a Palestinian gunman killed three Israelis near Hebron on Sunday and following a double bombing at the Gush Etzion settlement. It comes as Israel continues its devastating assault on Gaza and intensifies attacks in the West Bank.

Palestinians noted that the Israeli military has reverted Hebron to conditions similar to those during the Second Intifada in 2000, with all roads and entrances to cities and towns in the West Bank now blocked.

At the northern entrance to Hebron, known as Ras al-Jura, an Anadolu correspondent observed that a metal gate had been erected, forcing Palestinians to travel on foot, adding that medical teams are now unable to transport patients through these roads, necessitating transfers between vehicles at checkpoints.