Heavy rainfall in the West Bank on Tuesday led to a partial collapse of the Israeli separation barrier south of Hebron, alongside landslides and disruptions to major roadways. Witnesses reported that torrential downpours resulting from a recent weather system caused significant damage to a section of the concrete barrier near Hebron.
The Israeli military has reportedly begun addressing the breach in the barrier, according to reports. Border authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage and planning repair strategies. The military has also been instructed to bolster security measures in the area of the collapse to prevent any potential crossings.
The construction of the separation barrier began in June 2002 under the government of then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Israel maintains that the barrier is necessary to prevent Palestinians from entering Israeli territory and nearby settlements. Palestinians, however, contend that the barrier restricts their daily lives and effectively annexes parts of the West Bank into Israel.
In July 2004, the International Court of Justice in The Hague ruled the barrier illegal, demanding that Israel halt its construction, compensate those affected, and urging member states not to recognize the situation created by it.
Separately, landslides caused by the heavy rainfall disrupted traffic on major and minor roads west of Ramallah, resulting in damage to several vehicles. No injuries were reported. A meteorological expert noted that the region experienced unusually high rainfall within a short period, with the highest precipitation recorded in the Salfit Governorate, ranging between 80 and 100 millimeters.
DZWatch will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
This is a developing story.
