• Israel has indefinitely closed the Allenby crossing between the West Bank and Jordan.
• The closure affects over 2 million Palestinians, stopping their access to international travel.
• Israeli officials cited security concerns after a shooting that killed two soldiers.
• Palestinian leaders warn of dire humanitarian and economic consequences.
• The crossing is critical for trade and medical supplies to the West Bank and Gaza.

Israel has closed the only crossing between the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Jordan, also known as the Allenby or King Hussein Bridge, effectively cutting off access for more than two million Palestinians. The closure was announced just days after the crossing was reopened following a deadly incident where two Israeli soldiers were shot by a Jordanian gunman, who was killed on site. This indefinite shutdown has left many Palestinians stranded, unable to travel abroad or return home from other countries, according to Dawn and BBC.

The Israeli government's decision to close the Allenby crossing has drawn criticism from Palestinian leaders, who view it as a "dangerous move" that effectively imprisons West Bank residents. Prominent politician Mustafa Barghouti highlighted the severe disruptions this closure causes, stating, "You're talking about disrupting the relationship between hundreds of thousands of families." The crossing is vital as it is the only route that enables Palestinians to travel internationally without having to go through Israel, according to BBC and AA.

The Palestinian Authority has warned that the closure inflicts serious economic damage, disrupting vital imports and exports, and could lead to a humanitarian crisis. The Ministry of National Economy has stated that continued restrictions threaten food security and the movement of people in the region. Reports indicate that since the beginning of October 2023, ongoing violence has resulted in over 1,000 Palestinian fatalities and significant injuries, emphasizing the deteriorating humanitarian conditions, according to AA and Dawn.

Despite calls for the crossing to reopen, Israeli officials have not confirmed any decision to do so. The Palestinian Authority noted that humanitarian aid and trade routes through the crossing are crucial for the population's stability. The closure may be perceived as part of a broader Israeli strategy to tighten its control over the territory amid international outcry regarding the recognition of a Palestinian state by several countries, indicating rising tensions in the region, according to BBC and Dawn.