In summer 2002, the Government of Israel approved construction of a temporary 723- kilometer-long Barrier with the stated purpose of preventing Palestinian suicide bombers from entering Israel.
In 2004, the International Court of Justice ruled that “the construction of the wall, and its associated regime, are contrary to international law.” The ruling said the barrier's construction was "tantamount to annexation" and impeded the Palestinian right to self-determination.
The Barrier compounds the fragmentation of the West Bank and isolates Palestinian communities and territory. It adds to other physical and bureaucratic measures (such as checkpoints and the permit system) that restrict the movement and access of Palestinians to essential services and livelihoods, as well as the ability of humanitarian organizations to deliver assistance.