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Sansana (Meitar Crossing), South Hebron Hills

Observers: Leah S. and A. (who may join the shifts on a permanent base.); Translator: Natanya
Aug-31-2016
| Morning

Morning shift at Metiar

5.45 -7.00

A normal day of the occupation.

 

We  came in the dark towards sunrise. The area was crowded with cars to transport the workers. Palestinians who had already gone through hurried to their transport which was waiting for them on the side of the road. It is so crowded on the Palestinian side as well that it is hard to find parking. The passage in the shed is swift and the turnstiles squeak regularly. Two lines behind the turnstiles. The vendors in straight lines are serving  those hurrying to work. On the side older  workers wait to go  through later according to the instructions of the DCO. Now and again someone returns through the second turnstile, his work permit is not valid, either because the GSS gave instructions or because the employer  has changed his mind and not informed  his worker. The computer at the checkpoint makes the fatal decision. A few people are interested in us.they stop and answer our questions. About 7000 people pass here each day, on Sundays 9000. Also today there is a visit of the families of prisoners. And truly a bus arrived and women and children descend. They join the line of workers which is no longer so long. We saw them get on to another bus on the Israeli side. 7 am and the vendors are closing up, some will comeback in the afternoon. An ordinary day and as we say all is well.

 

 

  • 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
  • South Hebron Hills

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    • South Hebron Hills
      South Hebron Hills is a large area in the West Bank's southern part.
      Yatta is a major city in this area: right in the border zone between the fertile region of Hebron and its surroundings and the desert of the Hebron Hills. Yatta has about 64,000 inhabitants.
      The surrounding villages are called Masafer Yatta (Yatta's daughter villages). Their inhabitants subsist on livestock and agriculture. Agriculture is possible only in small plots, especially near streams. Most of the area consists of rocky terraces.

      Since the beginning of the 1980s, many settlements have been established on the agricultural land cultivated by the Palestinians in the South Hebron Hills region: Carmel, Maon, Susia, Masadot Yehuda, Othniel, and more. Since the settlements were established and Palestinians cultivation areas have been reduced; the residents of the South Hebron Hills have been suffering from harassment by the settlers. Attempts to evict and demolish houses have continued, along with withholding water and electricity. The military and police usually refrain from intervening in violent incidents between settlers and Palestinians do not enforce the law when it comes to the investigation of extensive violent Jewish settlers. The harassment in the South Hebron Hills includes attacking and attempting to burn residential tents, harassing dogs, harming herds, and preventing access to pastures. 

      There are several checkpoints in the South Hebron Hills, on Routes 317 and 60. In most of them, no military presence is apparent, but rather an array of pillboxes monitor the villages. Roadblocks are frequently set up according to the settlers and the army's needs. These are located at the Zif Junction, the Dura-al Fawwar crossing, and the Sheep Junction at the southern entrance to Hebron.

      Updated April 2022

       

       

      אמבולנס מחכה מול המחסום הסגור באל פוואר
      Yael Zoran
      Jun-18-2026
      An ambulance is waiting in front of the closed checkpoint in El-Fawwar
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