West Bank Palestinians use radio and apps to track checkpoints

Palestinians in the occupied West Bank are increasingly relying on digital messaging apps and local radio to navigate movement restrictions and security threats. Dedicated WhatsApp and Telegram channels are used to share real-time updates on open Israeli military checkpoints, road closures, and potential settler attacks or military raids.

Basma FM, a radio station based in Rawabi near Ramallah, has adapted its programming to meet these needs. Originally intended to focus on entertainment and culture for young people, the station now provides three traffic updates per hour. These updates focus on critical information regarding road conditions and safety, a shift necessitated by the heightened tensions and instability in the region following the events of October 2023.