Hebron, South Hebron Hills, Tarqumiya, Wed 7.4.10, Morning

Date: 07/04/2010 ,Morning

Observers: Rai'ya Y., Hagit S. (reports)

Hebron

According to Wye Plantation Accords (1997), Hebron is divided in two: H1 is under Palestinian Authority control, H2 is under Israeli control. In Hebron there are 170,000 Palestinian citizens, 60,000 of them in H2. Between the two areas are permanent checkpoints, manned at all hours, preventing Palestinian movement between them and controlling passage of permit holders such as teachers and schoolchildren. Some 800 Jews live in Avraham Avinu Quarter and Tel Rumeida, on Givat HaAvot and in the wholesale market.

Checkpoints observed in H2:

Bet Hameriva CP- manned with a pillbox
Kapisha quarter CP (the northern side of Zion axis) - manned with a pillbox
The 160 turn CP (the southern side of Zion axis) - manned with a pillbox
Avraham Avinu quarter - watch station
The pharmacy CP - checking inside a caravan with a magnometer
Tarpat (1929) CP - checking inside a caravan with a magnometer
Tel Rumeida CP - guarding station
Beit Hadassah CP - guarding station

Three checkpoints around the Tomb of the Patriarchs

Close description

Translation: Bracha B.A.
Tarkomia Crossing
We met Tzion and Dudi, the two people in charge, who said that there was no problem at the crossing and everything ran smoothly. They have a positive attitude towards the workers and make sure that they all get through by 07:00 so that they can get to work on time. This is due to their good organization and vast experience as well as the four lanes in the facility. Each worker can call any of the inspection points from their mobile phones and they relate to any requests seriously. A resident of Idna who crosses through here every day verified this and felt that the people in charge of the crossing should be commended.
Route 35
Traffic is very scarce. The pillbox at the humanitarian crossing has been torn down.
Route 60
There is a sign that says, "Judea and Samaria, the story of Every Jew."
Entrance to Hebron: People are walking among the boulders as usual.
Hebron
At the entrance to Kiryat Arba there are three buildings on the hill on the right, and on the left a large stone building is being completed. In the new neighborhood a large building is being completed. It is relatively quiet at the pharmacy crossing, Tarpat, and Shuafat Street. At the Cave of the Patriarchs it is relatively quiet until the music begins from Beit Gurnick – not as loud as before but still irritating. During Passover all the stores were closed here by orders. At Abed's we met a man from "B'Tzelem" who brings groups of tourists who are interested in the situation here.
Ofer Ohana stops his car when he sees us and greets us. Today is less aggressive and does not curse us. 11:30 – Children are coming home from school.

Merchandise is transferred at the metal shop with vehicles "back to back." We met three people from the neighborhood. One of them complained about the situation here, the residents from Kirayat Arba, the lack of work, and the fact that the stores are closed.