Israel imposes strict rules on travel to West Bank

Measures are expected to stifle Palestinian economy and cause problems for families with dual nationality

Israel has implemented strict rules limiting the ability of foreigners to enter and stay in the occupied West Bank despite international criticism of the measures, which include the compulsory declaration of romantic relationships.

A 97-page ordinance replacing the previous four-page document came into effect on Thursday for a two-year pilot period. It is expected to stifle the Palestinian economy and academia, the work of aid agencies, and create complications for hundreds of thousands of Palestinian families with dual nationality already struggling to navigate a convoluted permit system.