Palestinian infant dies after delay at Israeli military checkpoint near Ramallah

RAMALLAH / PNN /  A four-month-old Palestinian infant died after being delayed at an Israeli military checkpoint while en route to receive medical treatment, local sources said on Monday.The infant, identified as Ahmad Ma’rouf Zaid, was being transported to hospital when Israeli forces stopped the vehicle at a checkpoint at the entrance to the village of Deir Ammar, west of Ramallah.According to local sources, the vehicle was held for more than an hour, during which the child’s condition deteriorated. He was later pronounced dead.Israeli military checkpoints across the occupied West Bank are a central feature of movement restrictions imposed on Palestinians, with hundreds of fixed and mobile barriers controlling access between cities, villages and key services. Palestinians often face lengthy delays and inspections, which can last hours and disrupt access to workplaces, schools and medical facilities. Palestinian and international human rights organisations say such restrictions have, in some cases, contributed to the deterioration of medical conditions when patients are unable to reach hospitals in time. The measures also affect the local economy by hindering the movement of goods and increasing transport costs. Israeli authorities say the checkpoint system is necessary for security purposes and aimed at preventing attacks.