Hebron, South Hebron Hills, Tarqumiya, Mon 18.5.09, Afternoon
Tarqumiya passage:
a load of tracks is queuing here as well as on the other direction, next to the old CP.
Road 35
The first entry into Hebron is closed. The second entry is open. In general, there are many vehicles on the roads.
The gate opposite the Humanitarian CP is blocked. The CP itself is open, no soldiers to be seen –they may be in the pillbox itself.
Shuyukh Shair: as usual, bulldozers, and a few pedestrians.
Hebron:
It is noon and many children walk back from school. The gate in the direction of the heroes of Zion (Giborei Zion) is still closed.
On the way down toward the Pharmacy CP – an unusual sight: a house is being built, builders at work!
Curve 160: the new pillbox is manned – two soldiers. The gate facing south is closed.
Pharmacy CP: rather quiet. The same on the Shouhada St.
At Tel Rumeida, two paratroopers – they don't check those who walk through because "I know everyone of them already." We had a "motivational talk" we them, responding to their own expression of interest.
Patriarchs' Tombs' Cave: Hassidic music at top volume. The neighbours have already despaired of finding any solution.
Aabed, of the souvenir shop is happy to join us up with Najib, from Bezelem (Israeli civil rights NGO), who's brought a visitor from Chicago along with him today. Croatian tourists take photos of the CP, a TIPH vehicle is patrolling, there are no detainees
at this time of day.
Our driver noticed Anat Cohen passing by in her car and he says we've played it lucky this time round – she had some children with her in the car, so didn't stop to harass…
Basem from the shoe store tell us that there are only soldiers in the House of Dispute, so it's quiet now. But he warns us that some settlers' march is about to begin, recommending that we keep our distance.
On our drive southwards, the Southern Gate to Hebron is shut (opposite Bnei Naim).
Zif Junction is open.