Etzion DCL

We encountered a completely new problem today, although Hanna Barag said it is a standing problem. The three Palestinians who met me also told us that this had never happened to them before. They were all older men with large families.

They were all stopped at the traffic light of Gush Etzion at the circle. They are traders in alte sachen (used goods) and bring all sorts of things from Israel into the occupied areas where the goods are renovated and repaired and then sold at reasonable prices to the Palestinians.  Ovens, bicycles, computers, fridges, air conditioners. All is grist to their mill. This is their livelihood. They have never had problems before. But why not?  So good to make life difficult for even those who are just trying to make a living. The Palestinians said that the army claimed that they were burning down the goods...why would they do that?  What would they do with any parts which were left?  Sell them for 10 Shekel as one asked?  When they could make a living of a couple of 100 Shekel for goods which they repaired?  A present to the Palestinians on Nakba day. Just to remind them that the army and police can always find a new way of harassing and humiliating them. 

You can see one of the trucks which was confiscated. They were told that they had to take the goods back to Israel and leave them there!! One of the men had actually done so and had to bring documentation that it was so. Also to photograph the car to show it was empty. But he was not given back his car.

A man who has cancer and is to have treatment at Augusta Victoria is prevented from having treatment as he is a security risk.

- They did have a number of whom to phone but there was no answer. We tried as well. Afik 058 6281158. They were told to come back the following day.