Israel sealed off the West Bank and Gaza Strip on Monday night, barring Palestinians from entering the Jewish state.
The move was reportedly taken to prevent a feared terrorist attack in retaliation for last month’s murder of Hamas bombmaker Yehiya Ayash.
Meanwhile, about 200 Palestinians confronted Israel Defense Force soldiers at Rachel’s Tomb on the outskirts of Bethlehem Monday, protesting the building of a concrete wall around the shrine and adjacent parking lot.
Israeli security forces maintained that the wall was necessary to protect visitors to the tomb from possible stonethrowing and firebomb attacks.
Bethlehem Mayor Elias Freij accused Israel of violating the agreements signed with the Palestinians.
On Sunday, Palestinian police set up roadblocks at the entrances to Bethlehem and barred Israeli drivers from passing through, as a way of protesting the construction work.
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