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Hebron – the settlers are taking over properties, piece by piece

Tags: Ramadan
Observers: Mira (reporting ), a friend and Muhammad; Translator: Natanya
Mar-30-2023
| Afternoon

Meitar crossing: It is Ramadan, so the Palestinian workers return early from work. The parking lot on the Palestinian side is full.

Route 60

The traffic is lively, it seems more than usual, probably because of Ramadan.  There are observation posts of the army at various points, besides the usual checkpoints.

Hebron

We entered through the industrial area, and turned to look at the outpost on Givat Gal, which is now known as the Gal neighbourhood of Kiryat Arba. According to documentation, probably by the settlers, on the topographical map website, Amud Anan (https://amudanan.co.il/), the neighbourhood was established about twenty years ago, and today twenty families live there, with an active synagogue. It is located right next to a Palestinian neighbourhood, and when it was established, its residents claimed that the caravans were built on their land.

We continued our tour through the Jewish neighbourhoods of Hebron. On the Zion route we saw, in front of Beit Hamariva (the house of contention which is called the house of peace by the settlers), a sign for Beit HaTekuma, probably the new acquisition on the Zion route. Later on, we saw an arrow pointing to Beit Heirut (Freedom House) and indeed, on the road connecting the Pharmacy barrier with the market intersection (a former Palestinian market, of course) we saw the sign for Beit Heirut, which is a new purchase. As was to be expected, quite closely, a new position of the army was born.

This is, as we have already called it in the past, the Octopus method: the method of taking over the properties in the centre of Hebron, piece by piece.  They buy a house, place a military post next to it, then close a section of the street to Palestinian cars, and other restrictions, which cause the remaining Palestinian residents to leave.

  • 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:

       

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

      Three checkpoints around the Tomb of the Patriarchs

      חברון, מתנחלים השחיתו שלט של בית הספר לבנות
      Lea Shakdiel
      May-27-2025
      Hebron, settlers vandalized the sign of the girls' school
  • Meitar checkpoint / Sansana

    See all reports for this place
    • Meitar Checkpoint / Sansana The checkpoint is located on the Green Line and serves as a border crossing between Israel and the West Bank. It is managed by the  Border Crossing Authority of the Defense Ministry. It is comprised of sections for the transfer of goods as well as a vehicle checkpoint (intended for holders of blue identity cards, foreign nationals or diplomats and international organizations). Passing of Palestinians is prohibited, except for those with entry permits to Israel. Palestinians  are permitted to cross on foot only. The crossing  has a DCO / DCL / DCL / DCL (District Coordination  Office), a customs unit, supervision, and a police unit. In the last year, a breach has been opened  in the fence, not far from the crossing. This breach is known to all, including the army. There does not appear to be any interest in blocking it, probably as it permits needed Palestinian workers without the bureaucratic permits to get to work in Israel. Food stalls and a parking area economy have been created, but incidents of violent abuse by border police have also been recorded. Updated April 2022
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