EU welcomes re-opening of bridge between Jordan and Israel

The European Union has welcomed the reopening of the Israeli-controlled King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge after Israel reportedly closed the gateway, following an attack on Israeli forces stationed at one of the checkpoints that killed two Israeli soldiers. 

The Allenby Bridge is the only gateway for Palestinians in the West Bank to exit the occupied territory without entering Israel. 

In a statement, the EU’s high representative said: “The decision by Israeli authorities on September 23 to close the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge crossing to passenger movement in both directions, as well as to cargo movement, negatively affects freedom of movement between the West Bank and Jordan, and undermines humanitarian aid efforts to Gaza.

“The Allenby/King Hussein Bridge crossing, like other border crossings, must remain open to ensure the effectiveness of humanitarian relief operations, as a quarter of humanitarian supplies reach Gaza through Jordan via UN mechanism 2720.”