Maps & Satellite Imagery
The Forbidden Road Regime in the West Bank (9 August 2004)
Israel restricts Palestinian travel on forty-one roads and sections of roads throughout the West Bank, totaling more than 700 kilometers of roadway. Three categories of roads, "sterile roads" where Palestinian traffic is completely prohibited, roads where Palestinians require special permits, and roads with restricted access, are dividing the West Bank. The regime applies only to Palestinians. Israeli vehicles are allowed to travel freely along these roadways. Permits for Palestinians to travel on restricted roads are issued at the sole discretion of the Israeli security establishment. By unlawfully discriminating against Palestinians based on their national origin, the Forbidden Roads Regime is reminiscent of the apartheid system that existed in South Africa. (Added 10 August 2004)