Closure and Curfews

The imposition of closure and curfew represents serious violations to rules of international humanitarian law, specifically, article 50 of the Hague Convention (1907) and Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War (1949), which prohibit the use of collective punishment against civilians. Furthermore, these illegal practices result in the breakdown of the social and economic fabric of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. These measures bring economic, social and other aspects of life in the area, like schools and human services, to a standstill. Israel's actions stand in direct contradiction to the legal duties of an occupying power as set forth in customary international la. According to Article 33 of the Hague Regulations Addendum to the Hague Convention of 1907, Israel, as an Occupying Power, is under a legal obligation to maintain normal life in the territory it occupies. The Israeli authorities concede that the Hague regulations constitute customary international law and they are applicable to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory.

PALESTINIAN CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

This centre published a number of CLOSURE UPDATES

For a comprehensive study:

THE ISRAELI POLICY OF CLOSURE: LEGAL, POLITICAL, AND HUMANITARIAN EVALUATION