PA Reinstates Virus Restrictions in Hebron, Nablus

Palestinian protesters pray at their lands during a demonstration against Israel's plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank in the village of Hares near the northern West Bank city of Salfit, 19 June 2020. EPA/ALAA BADARNEH

The Palestinian Authority has reinstated coronavirus restrictions in the West Bank following a spike in infections.

Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said Saturday that a closure and five-day curfew have been imposed on Hebron and that the city of Nablus would be cutoff for two days to contain the spread of the virus.

The actions came after 86 Palestinians tested positive for the COVID-19 disease in the West Bank Saturday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases there to 687, including two deaths.

The government, which controls parts of the West Bank, reopened quarantine centers, stepped up restrictions on movement and limits on gatherings, and called on Arab residents of Israel to stop visiting the territory for 14 days.

In the Gaza Strip, 72 confirmed virus cases and one death have been reported. They all came from inside mandatory quarantine facilities for returnees through Israel and Egypt.