The Road of Death

Part of the dangerous road section. Photo: ACRI

On August 16, 2025, ACRI approached the Civil Administration demanding that it maintain traffic safety measures and enforcement on the Eastern Ring Road (Road 4370), in the section between the villages of Anata and Az-Za'eem. This section of the road is frequently used by Palestinians traveling between the major cities in the West Bank: Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron. Nonetheless, it lacks basic safety standards: lanes and shoulders are not marked, nor are there markings or separations between opposing lanes; there is no lighting, reflectors, or signage; no clear indication of permitted speed limits; and no deceleration lanes. There is no enforcement of traffic laws, so drivers speed and drive recklessly. Dangerous curves in the road and limited visibility make the situation that much worse. There have been many accidents in this section of the road, and it is referred to by residents as "the road of death." 

In the appeal, Attorney Reut Shaer noted that this section of the section is located in Area C, which is under military occupation and is under the control of the military commander. According to international law, it is the responsibility of the military and the Civil Administration to maintain public order and the rule of law in the area, and to protect the lives and rights of residents. This includes the duty to ensure that the infrastructure does not endanger human life, and to fix dangerous hazards. We demanded that the road be repaired to meet safety standards, and an increase in traffic enforcement. 

ACRI's appeal, August 16, 2025 (Heb) 

The appeal was written with the assistance of intern Yaser Abu Areesha 

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