Coronavirus: Palestinian Authority closes two West Bank cities after virus spike

The Palestinian Authority on Saturday said it was temporarily closing the cities of Hebron and Nablus in the occupied West Bank to contain the spread of coronavirus after a sharp rise in infections. 'The government decided to close the governorate of Hebron to prevent anyone from entering or exiting, with the exception of the transport of merchandise,' Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said. He told a news conference that Hebron would be closed for five days and Nablus for 48 hours, AFP reported.