West Bank Palestinians rely on Basma FM for checkpoint and settler attack updates

September 17, 2026 at 03:30 AM2 min

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Palestinians in the occupied West Bank use Basma FM radio for real-time updates on Israeli military checkpoints, road closures, and settler attacks. The station, based in Rawabi near Ramallah, broadcasts three traffic updates per hour. This service has become essential as travel times have become unpredictable and dangerous.

Key Facts

Basma FM, based in Rawabi near Ramallah, started broadcasting on October 2, 2023, just days before the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7.
The station carries three traffic updates per hour, focusing on which Israeli military checkpoints are open, which roads are off limits to Palestinians, and whether Israeli settlers are attacking Palestinian vehicles.
Fatima Barqawi, Basma FM's news and traffic director, said her department has seven employees who verify information with their sources and provide updates on roadblocks.
Palestinians in the West Bank drive white-plated vehicles, making them easily identifiable compared to the yellow-plated cars driven by Israeli settlers.

The Role of Basma FM

Basma FM was originally intended to target young people with entertainment and culture news. Five days after its launch, the station shifted focus to traffic updates due to the war on Gaza and the escalating situation in the West Bank. Fatima Barqawi, the station's news and traffic director, explained that the team had planned to inform parents about traffic when picking up children from school, but the war forced a change in priorities. The station's traffic department now employs seven people who verify information with their sources and provide updates on roadblocks.

Dangers on the Roads

Travel in the occupied West Bank has become inherently dangerous for Palestinians, not just a matter of delays. Palestinian vehicles have white license plates, while Israeli settlers' vehicles have yellow plates, making Palestinians easily identifiable. Israeli soldiers have killed Palestinians near checkpoints after claiming they were conducting ramming attacks. Israeli settlers often attack Palestinian cars or block them from using certain highways. These attacks are increasing as illegal Israeli settlements grow at a record pace.