Nassar Nassar: Al-Karama Crossing is a Right, Not a Favor; We Will Not Stop Until 24/7 Operations are Achieved

Palestinian Private Council Rallies for 24/7 Operations at Al-Karama Crossing, Citing “Systematic Collective Punishment”

RAMALLAH – The Secretary-General of the Coordinating Council for Private Sector Institutions, Nassar Nassar, announced an intensified multi-track campaign to secure 24-hour operations at the Al-Karama Crossing (Allenby/King Hussein Bridge). Nassar described the current restrictive conditions at the border as an “unacceptable affront to Palestinian dignity” and a violation of international law.

Legal Challenges and International Pressure

Speaking during a joint broadcast via Ar-Raqeeb Radio and a network of local stations, Nassar asserted that the Private Sector Council is moving forward with legal action against the Israeli Airport Authority. The legal strategy involves petitions to both Israeli and international courts, alongside diplomatic pressure channeled through the European Union.

“The current crisis is a systematic and intentional policy of punishment by the Israeli occupation, which maintains sole control over the crossing’s hours,” Nassar stated. He emphasized that the high fees collected from Palestinian travelers by Israeli authorities are more than sufficient to fund around-the-clock operations or even a full-scale airport.

Proposed Reforms and Jordanian Coordination

While the long-term goal remains a total reopening, Nassar outlined a transitional plan developed in coordination with the Palestinian government and Jordanian authorities, including the Ministry of Interior and the JETT transport company. Proposed measures to ease the burden on travelers include:

• Digital Integration: Synchronizing morning arrivals with digital platform reservation numbers.

• Infrastructure Expansion: Enlarging transit halls to accommodate peak-season surges.

• Operational Transparency: Standardizing staff uniforms/ID badges and restricting passport handling to General Security personnel.

• Abolishing VIP Services: Phasing out costly “VIP” transit in favor of a streamlined, non-stop direct bus system to ensure equitable treatment for all travelers.

Economic Fallout and Regional Trade

Nassar issued a stern warning regarding the “dangerous economic repercussions” of the restricted commercial hours. He noted that the near-blockade on goods has severely damaged the reputation of Palestinian exports in Arab and Gulf markets, leading many local firms to lose critical trade partnerships due to export delays.

“The Jordanian side has expressed no objection to 24/7 operations or reviving the old bridge to separate passenger flows,” Nassar added. “The primary obstacle remains the Israeli crossing authority.”

Rising Demand

Data highlighted during the interview underscored the urgency of the situation. Between 2017 and 2019, passenger traffic exceeded 2.2 million annually, a 20% increase from previous years. These figures reflect a growing necessity for travel that current restrictive hours fail to meet, stifling both the Palestinian and Jordanian economies.

The Coordinating Council vowed to remain seized of the matter until full transit rights are restored, calling for sustained public and media pressure on the occupying authorities to end the daily suffering of Palestinian commuters.