Travel Blocked at Karam Crossing
Israeli authorities prevented Shuwan Jabarin, the executive director of the Palestinian human rights organization Al-Haq, from traveling to Jordan via the Karam crossing on Friday. The incident occurred as Jabarin was preparing to attend the Assembly of States Parties to the International Criminal Court (ICC), scheduled for late November.
Security Justification and Institutional Response
According to a statement by Al-Haq, Israeli security personnel stopped Jabarin at the border checkpoint and inquired about the purpose of his trip before informing him that an order prohibiting his departure from the West Bank had been issued. Jabarin stated in media interviews that security agents verbally informed him the ban originated from the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) citing “security reasons.”
The organization characterized the restriction as a direct attack on Jabarin’s human rights activities, particularly his efforts to document Israeli violations and pursue accountability through the ICC. Al-Haq noted that Jabarin also serves as an arbitrator at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.
Pattern of Restrictions and Political Context
Al-Haq highlighted that this travel ban is part of a broader pattern of harassment against Jabarin. The organization recalled threats made by Shin Bet in 2022 and a previous six-year travel prohibition imposed between 2006 and 2012. The group linked the current decision to sustained pressure on Palestinian civil society organizations, including US sanctions imposed in September 2025 due to their cooperation with the ICC.
Jabarin argued that such measures aim to divert human rights workers’ energy toward defending themselves rather than continuing their work holding officials accountable for violations. He emphasized that the timing coincides with critical preparations for international legal proceedings.
International Solidarity and Demands
Human Rights Watch described the travel ban as a retaliatory action targeting human rights defenders, urging governments to support Palestinian institutions and protect their staff. Al-Haq called on the international community and partner states to pressure Israeli authorities to lift the travel ban and halt procedures obstructing the work of Palestinian human rights organizations.
