South Hebron

South Hebron, Monday, 13/12/04 AMYeela L.and Leah Y. Leah reporting in English.Left Shoqet 6:45, returned 8:45Summary:There were about 10 Palestinians who had legally crossed the border at the Shim'a roadblock, and were waiting for a minibus to take them to work in Israel. A soldier from the Border Police told us not to worry: they had received permits from the Ministry of Defence. However,there were fresh high earth-mounds,mainly around Shepherds'Junction. Apart from that, nothing new.On the road into Daharia,there was a jeep with a soldier waiting outside; no Palestinians in the area,so we didn't stop. South of Hebron, earth piled up on both sides of the road including in the direction of Samoa, prevents entrance to the main road. Still,there were a few gaps. We saw some new large nylon banners, tied to road signs: "I too am connected - Gush Katif and the Shomron." Dura-El Fawar Junction is open; the pillbox is manned,no soldiers below.Shepherds' Junction,open; no soldiers;on the east side of the Junction, earth has been piled up, a serious hindrance - not clear what this prevents -since in the past it was also impossible for cars to approach the main road, fromthis side. The path for pedestrians needing to reach the taxis on the east side,is now much harder for walking...what with the cold, the slippery mud and the puddles all over the place. We saw bits of ice, but the Palestinians we spoke to said, when it rains one's shoes sink into the mud completely. The path is difficult enough for healthy persons with good shoes, on a day without mud. Something ought to be done to let taxis approach the main road,and stop the struggle to reach them over this tortuous path. The drivers said there's no bullying - other than usual.In front of the Girls' School soldiers caught an Israeli (Arab)minibus driver and examine his papers. They claim, he collects illegal residents and order him to return at once to Israel. Yeela said he is allowed to drive people within the territories. Are soldiers allowed to send him back to Israel,like that? Doesn't he have a civil right to be in a place where every Israli citizen is permitted to be? What counter-evidence is needed, in order to send him back to Israel directly-should anyone have an answer please let us know. At the Girl's School, no army present. We arrived as the girls are crossing the road - as usual,life-threatening. A taxi driver told us that someone with a heavy vehicle, which he couldn't navigate over the mud-path,managed to dislodge a block of stone - and the gap stayed open for about 3 days, then the army closed it again. The driver said it was great when the path was open,almost like a normal life. He also heard a soldier suggest keeping it open and routine army control,instead. In the driver's view,that would be better than the closure at present.Humanitarian Roadblock: open way, no soldiers; the gateis closed, the pillbox manned.Halhul East: cars can enter and the traffic flowsHalhul-Hebron Bridge: open and the entrance gate closed.