According to the OCHA (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs), it is estimated that at present there are around 260 checkpoints spread through the West Bank, that is, within Palestinian territory.

The checkpoints installed by the Israeli army in the West Bank territory are barriers erected to control the passage of Palestinians who travel from one area/village to another in the West Bank. The Israeli Army claims checkpoints are helpful to control what happens in the West Bank thus making the lives of militants more useful and helping protect Israeli settlers in the West Bank.

However, the chekpoints have a devastating effect on the lives of Palestinians who move to work, hospital or try to carry on with thei daily lives. Analysts and critics claim as well that the checkpoints constitute a clear violation of human rights as they restrict the free movement of Palestinins in thei own territory.