The Palestinian Authority announced on Tuesday that it would extend the closure of the occupied West Bank by five days to help stop the spread of the new coronavirus after an increase in the number of sick people.
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Palestinian-controlled areas of the West Bank were already closed since Friday and will be closed until Sunday evening July 12, government spokesman Ibrahim Melhem said. " The government has decided to close all Palestinian governorates, towns and villages for another five days ," he said at a press conference.
On Monday, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh called on Israel to close all crossing points with the West Bank, Palestinian territory occupied since 1967 by Israel, which controls all points of entry. According to the latest report from the Palestinian Ministry of Health, more than 4,570 people were infected by the Covid-19 pandemic in the West Bank, 17 of whom died. A week ago, the number of cases reached 2,356 and five died.
On the Israeli side, the authorities have officially listed more than 31,270 cases of coronavirus, of which more than 330 have died. Noting a significant increase in the number of patients following the deconfinement, Israel announced Monday new restrictions: bars, nightclubs and gyms will close, while restaurants will only accommodate 20 people against 30 previously.