JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — Israel has opened Route 4370 in Jerusalem, in the central occupied West Bank, dividing Palestinian and Israeli settlers.
The Haaretz news outlet reported that the highway, which has been called the “Apartheid Road,” is divided in the middle by a high wall; the road’s western side serves Palestinians who cannot enter Jerusalem, whereas its eastern side serves Israeli settlers.
This is the first road to have a wall along its entire length, dividing Palestinian and Israeli drivers, however, the West Bank has many segregated roads.
Haaretz added that the road was built over a decade ago but remained closed due to a dispute between the Israeli army and police over the staffing of a new checkpoint that opened because of the road; the road has recently been renovated.
Most of the route’s users are expected to be Israeli settlers living north of the city; drivers on the Palestinian side will be able to go around Jerusalem without having to enter the city.
Text and photo via Ma’an News Agency
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