Israeli Checkpoints Severely Disrupt West Bank Economy, Al Jazeera Reports

What happened

Al Jazeera Gaza reports that Israeli military checkpoints throughout the occupied West Bank are severely disrupting the Palestinian economy by delaying the transport of goods and restricting movement. The report focuses on the village of Rujeib near Nablus and the case of Al-Kamel Dairy Factory, which has faced sharp declines in sales and increased transportation costs due to checkpoint delays since the conflict escalation in Gaza began in October 2023.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. The report states there are about 925 checkpoints and military gates in the West Bank, including 147 in the Nablus governorate, majorly affecting Al-Kamel’s primary market. Traffic movement in the West Bank has declined by over 50 percent, inflating costs and forcing layoffs such as Al-Kamel’s reduction of at least 12 workers. The company’s owner described substantial delays up to four hours at checkpoints, resulting in perishable milk spoilage, lost customers, and increased transport expenses.

A March 2025 study by the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute cited in the report measured checkpoint delays of 15 to 50 minutes, with average journey times increased by 77.9 percent in some cases. These delays are estimated to cost the Palestinian economy millions of shekels daily in lost work hours and fuel, intensifying the impact on local commerce in cities like Nablus, described by local merchants as resembling a ghost town.

Known from the source

• Israeli military checkpoints in the West Bank number approximately 925, with 147 in the Nablus governorate.
• Al-Kamel Dairy Factory, established in 2022 near Nablus, has seen a 30 to 40 percent decline in sales and laid off at least 12 workers due to transport delays.
• Milk trucks from Al-Kamel face delays up to four hours at checkpoints, resulting in milk spoilage and lost deliveries.
• A March 2025 study by the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute found average travel delays of up to 42 minutes and a 77.9 percent increase in journey times across West Bank checkpoints.
• The Palestinian economy loses an estimated 2.8 million shekels ($764,600) daily due to delayed work hours, and transport costs increase by around 71,000 shekels ($19,203) daily in extra fuel.

What remains unclear

The report also connects these challenges to the broader Israeli occupation policies, including the ongoing expansion of the separation barrier and closures aimed at controlling Palestinian mobility and protecting Israeli settlements, deemed illegal under international law by some entities. The cumulative effect has produced a crippled economy and heightened daily difficulties for Palestinians seeking employment and access to goods and services.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Verify the precise number of checkpoints and gates in the West Bank and Nablus governorate as cited. Confirm the reported sales decline and layoffs at Al-Kamel Dairy Factory directly from the company or other sources. Confirm checkpoint delay times and economic cost estimates from the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute or comparable research.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Al Jazeera Gaza. Open the source.