Bethlehem – Ma’an – The Israeli military announced a closure of the West Bank beginning at midnight on Saturday, lasting until midnight on Monday, which is the Jewish holy day Yom Kippur.

Under ordinary circumstances, most Palestinians from the West Bank are barred from entering Jerusalem or crossing into Israel. The closure means that even those with special permits to work or study in Jerusalem or the interior of Israel will be confined to the West Bank.

The Israeli army said that during the closure Palestinians will be allowed to leave only in exceptional medical and humanitarian cases.

Observant Jews fast for 24 hours on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.