An Israeli workers' strike on the Allenby Bridge, the main border crossing between the Israel-occupied West Bank and Jordan, has been ongoing since Thursday, severely disrupting travel plans for thousands of Palestinians. The strike has led to a 50% reduction in buses entering Jordan, according to Jordanian authorities, affecting travelers who rely on this crossing to go abroad or return to the West Bank.
Impact on Travelers During Peak Season
The strike coincides with the peak summer season when thousands of Palestinian families and expatriate workers travel to and from the West Bank for holidays. The Palestinian General Authority for Borders and Crossings urged travelers on Sunday to postpone their journeys and avoid heading to the crossing until an official announcement confirms the resumption of operations, as reported by the Palestine News Agency.
Since late 2023, the daily number of travelers crossing the Allenby Bridge has averaged between 4,000 and 6,000. The crossing is also known as the Karameh crossing in Palestine and the King Hussein crossing in Jordan.
Critical Gateway for Palestinians
The Allenby Bridge is the only international gateway for approximately 3 million Palestinians in the West Bank to access the outside world, as Israel forbids Palestinians holding Palestinian Authority identity cards from using Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. The crossing is essential for patients seeking medical treatment abroad and for students traveling for education.
The bridge was shut for several days in September 2025 after a shooting attack on Israeli guards. The current strike adds to the challenges faced by Palestinians, who have limited travel options due to Israeli restrictions.
