Hebron, Tarqumiya, Mon 27.4.09, Afternoon

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Observers: 
Raya, Hagit S. (reports)
Apr-27-2009
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Afternoon

Translation: Bracha B.A.


Tarqumiya -
There are a lot of trucks here – perhaps because tomorrow there will be a curfew due to (Israel's) Independence Day. On the way to Hebron we hear additions to yesterday’s report from our driver about the reception they got from the settlers.  All the pillboxes to Hebron appear to be manned.  The western entrance to Hebron is open, at Shiyukh Sair there are boulders as usual, pedestrians going in all directions.

Road 60
 
Israeli flags are flying – there is a strange feeling.  Who hung them?

Hebron
A military jeep with soldiers in it is parked under the House of Dispute. Farther on, there is a vehicle of “Physicians for Human Rights-Israel”.  The road to the Hebron Heroes neighborhood is closed. They've promised, haven't they/
On the descent to the Patriarchs' Tombs' Cave, there is a small new pillbox, manned by three soldiers.  
Pharmacy CP: very quiet today. One of the stores is open!! Asking since when it is so, we learned that it has been closed for the past 6-7 years. 
We sat opposite the Patriarchs' Tombs' Cave with Abed and his son drinking coffee and were joined by a detainee, waiting for his documents to be checked.  Abed told us that during Passover, they were not allowed to open the shops. Only booths could be opened outside.  When we asked about the problem of music on the loudspeakers opposite they said that an officer had told them that if they turned the speakers on, their stores would be closed down.  
Shuhada Street: stores are shut down, as usual, but today Israeli flags are flying.  The paratroopers at their various posts are not very friendly. 
At the descent from Tel Rumeida our driver picked up a group of visitors headed by Yehuda from Shovrim Shtika (“Breaking the Silence”).  This is a Dutch group from the embassy in Tel Aviv and they were pleased to get a ride to the Patriarchs' Tomb's Cave. 
At Bassam’s they are preparing parts of shoes as usual and informed us that the road is still closed – in other words – it’s all words…According to him the House of Dispute is closed off, but still visited by the settlers, who come nearby on Friday evenings and Saturdays.