Jerusalem: Israeli occupation authorities have barred Palestinian Minister of Jerusalem Affairs from entering the occupied West Bank for six months, according to Palestinian officials.

According to Qatar News Agency, the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that Ashraf Al Awar was summoned for questioning and later handed a military order imposing the ban. He has been given 72 hours to submit an appeal against the decision.

In a statement, the Palestinian Ministry of Jerusalem Affairs described the move as a new escalation aimed at restricting the work of official Palestinian institutions in Jerusalem and curbing their efforts to support Palestinians and address their daily concerns.

The ministry stated that the decision was part of what it called Israel's ongoing policies targeting Jerusalem-based leaders and Palestinian officials in the city.

Israeli occupation authorities had imposed a similar six-month ban on Al Awar at the beginning of last year, also preventing him from entering the West Bank.

Restrictions on the movement of Palestinian officials are frequently criticized by Palestinian authorities, who argue they undermine governance and efforts to support Palestinians living under occupation.