Hebron, South Hebron Hills, Tue 7.12.10, Morning

Translator:  Charles K.

This shift was characterized by expanded presence and activity of the army and security forces throughout the sector.

Meitar crossing

Laborers cross with no unnecessary delays. As usual, there’s someone who says that things go smoothly because the cameras see that we’re here. But we think it’s because all the lanes are open and operating.

Relatives of prisoners get out of four buses on their way to the Ketziot prison. Three of them arrived early, and their passengers have to wait in the shed until all the laborers have crossed. During this time the sellers of falafel, canned goods and yogurt are very active. The narrow road to the crossing is jammed; business is best at this hour. Clearly some of the families depend on the peddlers to complete their purchases for their imprisoned relatives, not only to drink coffee and eat falafel themselves. Schools in the area are closed for the Moslem holiday and many children accompany their mothers.

Route 60

On our way there, and on our return, a large number of flying checkpoints, in numbers we haven’t seen for a long time.

Here’s a short list:

Near the entrance to the settlement of Shamo'a

On the way down from the settlement of Beit Haggai next to the silver razor-wire barrier;

In front of regional brigade headquarters;

At the junction of the road coming from Bani Na’im;

At the entrance to Elfawwar.

On the road itself – increased traffic of jeeps and other armored vehicles.

Hebron

Palestinian schools are closed for the Moslem holiday (Muhammad’s birthday).  That’s why the CPT observers aren’t present, and limited traffic of UN and TIPH vehicles.

Remember that Jewish schools are also closed because of Hanukkah, but we see many youths and their parents walking to pray at the Cave of the Patriarchs.

Few Palestinian pedestrians. Ceaseless traffic of jeeps and armored vehicles throughout the city. Permanent checkpoints have been reinforced by Border Police soldiers.  Special security measures at the Worshippers Route, Beit HaMeriva, Curve 160, Pharmacy and Tel Rumeida. We hear the checkpoint loudspeakers issuing individual instructions to the soldiers at the checkpoints. In view of the situation, we didn’t try to talk to them.