AM
Bethlehem 6/5/2004 Watchers: Hadas B., Naama K., Inbal M., 2 guests Near Tantur, we saw 2 detainees who had been captured in Tantur. They were guarded by 4 BP soldiers who took their IDs and then left. At the end of our shift, there were 12 detainees there. Har-Gilo. Because of the closure, only holders of blue ID cards and Christians (What holiday is today?) are allowed to cross. The soldiers claim that school children, “Humanitarian cases” and diplomats receive special consideration. El Khader. No cabs in sight. When a new shift arrived, people too were turned back. First, nobody was allowed to pass, then medical cases were admitted and finally others too, subject to examination. In the morning, about 20 people were waiting on the dirt mound by the “market”. They reported that on account of the closure, they had not been able to cross to Hussan and the Hebron area to bring salaries home for a whole week. They also reported of 2 checkpoints, at Al-Nashash and Sukipa. We drove to Gush Ezion Juncture, and when we returned, the atmosphere had become more hostile. Many were waiting in the sun, some with permits and hospital summons. A woman fainted and was later escorted to Hussan. The soldiers kept the IDs, even after some of the Palestinians (mostly sick) were allowed to pass, “to teach them a lesson.” Gush Ezion. Pedestrians from all directions are detained for examination. Some are turned back, others are let through. Cars are examined and some are allowed to continue, including an ambulance. There are many yellow cabs driving passengers north on Route 60. The soldiers explained that because of the closure, traffic from Bethlehem is not permitted (except for those returning home to their villages, but not to Hebron). Special consideration was given to medical cases, in accordance with instructions by DCO and Regional Brigade.
Hebron
See all reports for this place-
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
Muhammad D.May-13-2026Hebron - Request for compensation for land expropriation
-
