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...

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Hebron, Sansana (Meitar Crossing), South Hebron Hills, Wed 15.8.12, Morning

Date: 15/08/2012 ,Morning

Observers: Mira, Yael (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

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Translator: Charles K.

08:45-11:00

Meitar-Sansana crossing

The crossing is empty and clean. One bus with relatives of prisoners waits on the Palestinian side, an indication that the convoy already drove away. IDF Hummers wait at the entrances to the dirt roads branching off Highway 60. They don’t appear to be detaining cars or people on foot.

Hebron

Quiet; appears empty. Only the children carrying containers for soup form merry lines on their way to the mosque to bring food home.

We saw a foot patrol of TIP observers and another of Naha”l soldiers.

We came down from Tel Rumeida via the blue trail marked by the settlers and reached “Abraham’s Well,” as they call it. The gate was open; we descended the steps to the water. It appears there had been an ancient structure there, surmounted by an arch, with steps leading down below the water’s surface. Perhaps a miqveh??

We didn’t get any feeling of sanctity, but the water is clear and cold.

We returned via Zif junction, Ma’on and Carmel – all quiet and desolate, only sheep grazing by the roadside.