Authorities in the West Bank have extended their existing state of emergency until at least Aug. 3 due to concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19 variants. The measure grants authorities the power to enact localized lockdowns in areas witnessing spikes in disease activity.

The Palestinian Authority (PA) had previously eased some COVID-19 restrictions in the West Bank. Restaurants, stores, and industrial sector businesses were allowed to increase their operating capacities to 50 percent and expand their operating hours to include Saturdays; banks have reopened but are providing limited services. Nevertheless, given that the PA has issued no official updates since April 10, the precise measures that are currently in force in the West Bank are unclear. As of April, restrictions including a territory-wide nightly 19:00-06:00 curfew, a ban on travel between governorates, and a 24-hour Friday curfew were in effect until further notice.

In the Gaza Strip, vehicular travel remains prohibited on Fridays and Saturdays until further notice. Wedding halls and popular weekly markets are closed.
Authorities have reiterated that funerals and weddings may no longer take place outdoors on public streets or in private homes. All gatherings in public areas and parks are banned. All individuals must wear protective face coverings and adhere to social distancing guidelines when in public. All travelers arriving in Gaza must quarantine at government-run facilities for up to 21 days. The Rafah and Erez border crossings are operating; however, travel is limited to urgent cases, notably humanitarian missions.

Officials could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks. Border crossings between Israel and the Palestinian Territories may close with little-to-no advance notice.

The Allenby crossing between the West Bank and Jordan remains closed until further notice. The restriction applies to all travelers except those approved for humanitarian reasons.

All travelers arriving in Gaza must quarantine at government-run facilities for 21 days. The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip is open.