Since 2001 we have observed dozens of army checkpoints on paved and unpaved roads in the West Bank, the Jordan Valley and along the Separation Fence; Civil Administration offices which grant permits to Palestinians; and military courts trying Palestinian prisoners. We stand at the checkpoints observing the behavior of soldiers and Palestinians without interfering, intervening only when soldiers behave offensively to Palestinians. Then we try to speak to the soldiers themselves or telephone...

Join us

By:

South Hebron Hills, Al-Tuwani, Sun 1.1.12, Morning

Date: 01/01/2012 ,Morning

Observers: Lea S., Paula R. (reporting)

South Hebron Hills

There are several checkpoints in the southern Hebron hills, on Routes 317 and 60. In most of them no military presence is apparent. These are Zif Junction, Dura-alFawwar crossing and the Sheep Junction at the southern entrance to Hebron.

Close description

Translator: Charles K.

Today is January 1st. Schools on the West Bank are closed for the new year holiday. Nothing unusual occurred.

We entered Al-Tuwani, where an archaeological dig is underway. We went there because a flyer had been distributed in synagogues reporting that an ancient synagogue had been discovered there. A mosaic floor is visible at the site (photos attached), as well as the remains of various rooms built in the Byzantine style. A person living nearby said he hoped the dig would enrich our knowledge of the period but he was also apprehensive about its implications for the continued existence of the locality in which people have been living for many years. The Civil Administration, meanwhile, has postponed laying the water line, work on which was already supposed to have begun. Postponements, and more postponements. (We still remember the well that was poisoned about six years ago by an animal carcass that someone had dumped into it).

We bought excellent, inexpensive olive oil from the grocery at the Hazif junction.