'Azzun, Huwwara, Imatin

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Observers: 
Nirit H., Miki F., Nurit P., Pitsi S. (reporting). Nadim (Driver)
Aug-26-2014
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Morning

 

09.45  We had planned to travel to the village of Imatin and meet the organizer of the club-house and perhaps other women. In the morning, P. contacted Nadim and wished to inform that it wasn’t worthwhile for us to come (the meaning isn’t clear to me but that’s what was written – M).  She gave the excuse that the women didn’t/couldn’t come.  A pity.

An army jeep was parked at the entrance to ‘Azzun with open doors.  The entrance to the small town wasn’t blocked, but Big Brother was on guard.

The road to Kadum was quiet, and there was no unusual army activity.  From time to time a car passed-by.  Two heavily armed soldiers were stationed at each of the bus-stops and hitchhikers’ stations.

10.00  In Kaddum we visited our friend O.  He told us that the last demonstration on Friday was quiet.  That’s to say the army only fired tear-gas grenades and sprayed stinking water onto the demonstrators.

That’s called a quiet demonstration?  Yes, O replied.  Three weeks ago, the soldiers fired on five young men, and wounded four of the in the leg and one in the arm.  The wounded were treated in hospital, and the next week they again took part in the demonstration. They marched in the front row at the head of the demonstrators.  Israelis participate in all the demonstrations even during the “Protective Edge” campaign in Gaza.

We brought with us toys and clothes at the request of the family which lives in the house on the edge of the village, which absorbs most of the tear-gas.  However, O. told us that they don’t want any contact with Israelis now, and its not exactly clear to him why.

In answer to our question, O. told us that if there were to be  free elections now in the West Bank, the majority would vote for rule by Hamas. The conversation spilled over to the situation in Gaza, and the chances for some kind of a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas.  There was a kind of a sad agreement between us that there doesn’t seem to be any such  possibility on the horizon.

11.30 We continued to Huwwara on empty roads  Huwwara checkpoint was open and traffic flowed through it. There were few buyers in the Huwwara shops. One of the falafel shop owners complained that his livelihood is lousy.  He asked us what we think about the situation, and Miki answered him in Arabic that we are against the war, and think that Israel should talk to Hamas and lift the siege of Gaza.  For some reason he didn’t answer and we didn’t press him.  He looked rather sad.

The owner of the Kenafeh (a sweet Arabic pastry) shop wasn’t there, which was a pity because we had hoped to chat with him.