morning-DCO

Bethlehem area- Hebron.Participants: Ch.O., N.E., A.Z.Principal aim: Acquaintance with the Liaison Offices, and on this occasion a visit to the Liaison Office in Hebron. At the El-Khader checkpoint the principal passage is by bus: some 16 buses and 2 minibuses received travel permits and serve a large public.In order to ascertain the procedure at the Liaison office in Hebron we presented ourselves at the gate of the camp and requested to visit there. After a short while the commander of the camp invited us for a meeting which lasted for an hour. Our questions regarding the work procedures, constraints and annoyances that were reported by the Palestinians, were answered by Alex the commander in a wide-ranging explanation (a lesson for graduates!). And for all those interested, here is the protocol:The Hebron area – 490,000 Palestinians; Hebron proper - 160,000. The Shamgar Committee decided on the procedures and the proceedings at the at the Machpela Cave (Cave of the Patriarchs): it is divided in two during the year, and for the 10 Jewish holidays – for Jews only, and for the 10 Muslim holidays – for Muslims only, and this was observed accordingly during the last holidays.A complete curfew was in effect all during the “Operation Ebb and Flood” (which is the latest intifada) and the only activities that were allowed were those that had to do with education, health and acquisition of food. Over the last half year the curfew was lifted and Alex the commander, who was stationed here since january, does everything in his power to improve the situation of the Palestinians – gradually.Some 80 shops are open at the market of Hebron and now 30 additional shops were opened at the small Shlaala (?) which is located under Beit Hadassah, notwithstanding the protests of the settlers.The Al-Fuwar crossroads is open since three weeks. A checkpoint opposite Sa’ir – East Halhul ( US-Aid road) was opened, which allows passage for the inhabitants of Bethlehem. Passage from Halhul to Hebron is still problematic but will be solved – the opening of the bridge is under consideration.On road 60 – public transportation is allowed and permits were given to some 25 buses, not to taxis.The ‘magnetic card’ (abbreviated "KaraM" in soldiers' lingo) serves as kind of proof of good conduct and identifies the bearer as clean as far as security is concerned. Its validity is for one year. Is issued on the day of request!Holders of entry permits into Israel – travel from Carmei Zur: men under age 16 and over 45 and women do not need a permit. It is true that not all regulations are transferred to the field as should be, however every complaint is accepted and investigated. Assaf is the deputy-liaison officer (who is in charge of all complaints the commander cannot see to): The nerve center of the Liaison office in Hebron: Our request to investigate complaints of Palestinian drivers who do not manage to get to the post office teller in order to pay traffic fines – was honored; there is no post office bank in the whole area where they can move freely.About the Liaison Office itself: the commander explained to us that three counters are always active in the Liaison Office for the pubic, and every applicant is served on the same day!We were invited to visit the reception area from the inside – of the camp. There was only one reception counter manned “because today is Sunday and the guys have not arrived yet”. The commander asked the soldier at the counter to turn down the blaring radio (Judith Ravitz) so that one might hear what the applicants had to say (which is transmitted by microphone). His request was granted.We could not see how many applicants thronged the counters, neither could we talk to these persons. The commander explained to us that he could not assist us in getting to the palestinian side of the installation, because he could not vouch for our security.In conclusion: next week we will take a Palestinian taxi in order to see what goes on at the public side of the Liaison Office.