Blocking the Main Access Roads to the At-Tur Neighborhood in East Jerusalem

Blocking the entrance road to At-Tur. Photo: Aviv Tatarsky, Ir Amim

On June 14, 2025, one day after the beginning of the conflict with Iran, concrete blocks were placed at the entrance to the main roads of the At-Tur neighborhood in East Jerusalem, where thousands of permanent residents and Israeli citizens live. This prevents residents from freely entering and exiting the neighborhood and their homes, and does not allow evacuation and rescue teams to reach them quickly. Residents who wish to exit and enter the neighborhood by car are forced to make their way to Jerusalem through a long and narrow road that is jammed with cars. No notice was given to residents about the blockage and how long it will remain in place. Those who asked were told that the northern entrance was closed because children were throwing stones, and no explanation was given for blocking the southern entrance. 

The day after the roadblocks appeared, we approached the Jerusalem District Police Commander calling for the removal of the blockades. Attorney Tal Hassin wrote, on behalf of ACRI and the organization Ir Amim: "We found no source of authority, nor any justification, for blocking an entire neighborhood with concrete blocks, solely because of the identity of its residents. The attempt to prevent them from reaching other parts of Jerusalem constitutes a blatant violation of their right to freedom of movement, livelihood, dignity, and equality. Preventing efficient and swift passage of first-responders, ambulances, the fire department, and other rescue teams could even cost lives." 

Appeal by ACRI and Ir Amim, June 15, 2025 (Heb) 

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