Category: Journals

Volunteers with the International Solidarity Movement are encouraged to write personal reflections about the work they engage in with Palestinian communities, the events they experience, and the people they meet. These journals offer the human context often missing in traditional reports or journalism. These articles represent the author’s thoughts and feelings and not necessarily those of the International Solidarity Movement.

Families Not Firing Zones: Defiance in Masafer Yatta

 

16 October | International Solidarity Movement | Masafer Yatta

 

For the last 42 years the Israeli occupation forces have been slowly but surely grinding the region of Masafer Yatta into dust. Now, in 2022, the various injunctions, petitions, hearings and a halfhearted international condemnation have amounted to nothing. The Israeli army has again successfully pushed through their application to forcibly transfer some 1,200 Palestinians to make way for a military firing zone. This is ethnic cleansing happening before our eyes.

 

At the gates to the valley lies the village of Khallat Al Dabaa, a well established resilient community. Persistent and violent Settler attacks, deliberate police negligence, military harassment, and the imminent threat of eviction makes life here increasingly difficult. A large portion of the Masafer Yatta valley has been designated a live firing range for military training dispute the existing residents. This is means displacing and demolishing the homes of 215 Palestinian households that have lived in these hills for generations, now under constant threat of eviction. In Khallat Al Dabaa, 20 structures have received demolition orders. The order demands that they personally destroy their own homes. Adding salt to the wound The residents had until the 29th of September and as they did not comply they will be charged for the cost of demolition. All the while the military training persists. Dropping bombs and firing live ammunition. Demolition and violence has been the only certainty for the communities of Masafer Yatta.

 

The Aldababseh brothers Jeber, father of five, Mohammed, father of twelve, and Amer, father of four, have  had their homes demolished five times each  over the past four years by the Israeli occupation forces. The vital school, the generators, the water pipes and five wells were also destroyed. Water pipes now have to be hidden from the army and settlers. Jeber said to ISM: “If they demolish everything we will rebuild, we have nowhere else to go. This is our home and this will be our grave.”

In a show of defiance from the local community and the activists on the ground, The ISM, together with the families of Khallet Al Dabaa has been painting large bold clear statements on the walls of the houses. Statements asking questions such as: “Where will I sleep”, “where will they stop”.
One statement reads “this is a home just like yours”. This is aimed directly at internationals asking them to draw a parallel with the situation here and their own lives. Your home is somewhere you will thrive in, sleep in, raise your family and somewhere you should feel safe. We want the international community to question what lengths they might go to protect their own home. This writing is not for the Israeli soldiers who come here for “military training”. The apartheid soldiers come here to evict, demolish and terrorise the community. It is unrealistic to think that this work will stop them in their tracks. This work is here to highlighting the human cost of this forcible transfer and raise international awareness. It’s is a call to action. The time is now. We must support these communities before they are eradicated. You can do this by either joining us on the ground here or from afar sharing and circulating as much information as you can. Solidarity can come in many forms.
In clear bold black and white text one statement reads: “LET ME LIVE MY LIFE” this has proven to be a daily challenge here and across the West Bank. We know this will contribute to a better appreciation of this urgent situation.

 

Making a stand and saving the village of Khalat Al Dabaa is specifically essential because Israel’s brutal occupation will not stop here. The local resistance committees and the ISM activists on the ground have resolved to do everything they can to help these communities survive this ordeal. If this village goes, it paves the way for the rest of the Masafer Yatta valley and the West Bank to be erased from the map.

 

Mahmoud Darwish sums up why the people stay, and how they have the strength to resist.

علَى هَذِهِ الأَرْض مَا يَسْتَحِقُّ الحَياةْ

We have on this land that which makes life worth living.

 

 

 

Keep Palestinian-led activism alive during COVID-19

Donate here

To our friends and comrades:

We would like to thank all of you for your continued solidarity and support for the freedom of the Palestinian people, whether through activism, protest, boycott, donations, or raising awareness online and personally. Because of you, the International Solidarity Movement has been able to continue using non-violent methods to resist Israeli apartheid in Palestine for almost two decades. 

ISM is an entirely grassroots funded organization, with no corporate or fixed sponsors, and all of our volunteers are self-funded. However, the global pandemic has forced many countries to adopt exceptional measures, such as quarantines and travel disruptions. Volunteers can no longer travel to Palestine and the consequent economic slowdown has seriously impacted us financially, to a point where we may be forced to close all of our offices in Palestine. This would severely limit our ability to advocate for Palestinian issues, not only during the pandemic but also for months afterwards, preventing us from resuming operations once the lockdown ends. 

With settler attacks up 78% amid the pandemic, and Israeli forces continuing with demolitions, arrests, imprisonment, and shootings of civilians, we believe it is more important than ever to maintain a presence in Palestine. Our goal, with your help, is to raise $7,000(USD) in emergency funds to ensure ISM can continue to operate until the  lockdown resulting from Covid-19 will be gradually lifted and international travel resumes. The funds will be used to cover costs including legal fees (Palestinian and international activists often face unjust arrest and trial for peaceful activism), rental fees for ISM’s offices and volunteer apartments across Palestine, maintaining current projects and media advocacy, transportation, and other incidental costs. 

Over the last 12 months, we have documented and reported on Israeli occupation and ethnic cleansing across Palestine, working as international human rights observers and defenders. Our recent actions include:

  • Our ongoing protective presence program with children in Hebron on their way to and from school.
  • Protective presence for farmers and villages in the South Hebron Hills. 
  • Protective presence for farmers across the West Bank during the olive harvest.  
  • Using direct action to oppose illegal settlement expansion, home demolitions, and arrests by occupying forces. 
  • Documenting, reporting, and media advocacy on human rights abuses and violence against innocent Palestinians. 
  • Internationally, we have continued to provide training for independent activists in non-violent direct action activism.
  • Worked with British researchers on a forensic report into the shooting of a Palestinian child by Israeli forces. 

With the spread of COVID-19 and consequent lockdown across Palestine, our newest projects include:

We are counting on all of you, our friends around the world, to keep ISM’s Palestinian-led, non-violent direct action approach to activism alive and ready to resume during this difficult time. We know that many of us are facing financial difficulties due to the current global crisis. In whatever capacity you are able we ask for your support as we face this unprecedented challenge to our movement. Please donate if you can, any amount helps. Please share this call and most importantly continue to support the Palestinian cause by raising awareness and advocating in your home countries and adhearing to and supporting the Palestinian call for boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) against those complicit in Israeli occupation and apartheid.

Together we can continue to spread solidarity and work for a free Palestine!

Follow the link to donate securely online: https://palsolidarity.org/donate 

If you have any questions or payment issues, tell us about it at palreports@gmail.com 

                                                                                                                                                        

التبرعات هنا

إلى أصدقائنا و رفاقنا :

نود شكركم لتضامنكم ودعمكم للفلسطينيّن سواءً من خلال نشاطكمم، وقفاتكم الاحتجاجية، الاضرابات، الدعم المادي، أو من خلال نشر الوعي والمعرفة عن طريق الانترنت أو شخصيا . 

بسببكم حركة التضامن الدولية استطاعت متابعة استخدام طرق سلمية في مقاومة التميّز العنصري الإسرائيلي في فلسطين لعقدين من الزمن تقريباً.

‏ISM مموّلة بشكل كامل عن طريق المتطوعين والعاملين فيها من دون مساعدة راعٍ  مستمر أو متعاون، جميع المتطوعين في ISM مستقلين ماديا ، على أي حال ، الجائحة العالمية أجبرت الكثير من الدول على اتباع اجرائات استثنائية على سبيل المثال: الحجر الصحي، وإيقاف الرحلات الجوية.

لم يعد بإمكان المتطوعين السفر إلى فلسطين ، والاضرابات الاقتصادية العالمية أثّرت علينا مادياً بشكل كبير ، وقد أوصلتنا إلى مرحلة قد تجبرنا على إغلاق جميع مراكزنا في فلسطين مما سيؤثر بشكل كبير على قدرتنا في دعم وتأيد القضية الفلسطينية، ليس فقط خلال هذه الجائحة ولكن لبضعة شهور بعد انتهائها  أيضاً، مما سيمنعنا من استئناف مشاريعنا عند انتهاء الحجر .

مع ارتفاع هجوم المستوطن بنسبة ٧٨٪؜ وسط الجائحة، ومتابعة القوات الإسرائيلية عمليات التدمير ، التخريب، الاعتقالات و السجن واطلاق النار على المدنيّن نحن نؤمن بأهمية بقائنا في فلسطين أكثر من قبل.

هدفنا بمساعدتكم هو جمع ٧٠٠٠ دولار أمريكي لتمويل طارئ، لضمان استمرارية ISM بالعمل لحين الانتهاء من الحجر الصحي بسبب ڤيروس كورونا المستجد واستئناف الرحلات الجوية.

التمويل سوف يستخدم لتغطية بعض النفقات من ضمنها : ضرائب قانونية ( بعض الفلسطينين والناشطين الدوليّن يواجهون في بعض الأحيان اعتقالات قسرية غير عادلة وتحديات بسبب نشاطهم السلمي)، رسوم إيجار لمراكزنا وشقق المتطوعين عبر فلسطين ، والمحافظة على استمرارية المشاريع الحالية، و التأيد الاعلامي، والمواصلات، وبعض المصاريف الطارئة.

خلال الشهور الاثنا عشر الماضية قمنا بتوثيق الاحتلال الإسرائيلي وما يقوم به من تطهير عرقي في فلسطين، عملنا كمراقبين ومدافعين لحقوق الإنسان الدولية، أعمالنا مؤخراً تضمنت:

مع انتشار ڤيروس كورونا المستجد وما ترتب عليه من حجر صحي في فلسطين، آخر مشاريعنا تتضمن:

 دعم للوضع الحالي في فلسطين عبر الانترنت.

حملة معا، بمشاركة فلسطينين ومنظمات دولية أخرى للمطالبة بإجراء تحقيق مع Herbon funds – مجموعة متطرفة عدائية أمريكية تقوم برعاية الاستيطان الاسرائيلي والاعتدائات العسكرية في الخليل.

نحن نعتمد عليكم جميعاً، أصدقائنا في جميع أرجاء العالم لإبقاء ISM بقيادة فلسطينية و إبقاء نهج النشاط السلمي على قيد الحياة ومهيئ لمتابعة العمل خلال هذه الأوقات العصيبة.

نعلم أن العديد منا يواجه صعوبات مادية بسبب الأزمة العالمية، نحن نطلب المساعدة بأي إمكانية مادية تستطيع عليها، في الوقت الذي نواجه فيه تحدٍ غير مسبوق في حراكنا السلمي . 

الرجاء الدعم،أي مبلغ باستطاعتك سوف يساعدنا.

الرجاء نشر هذا النداء والأهم الاستمرار بدعم الفسطينيّن عن طريق نشر الوعي، وتأيد القضية في بلدك الأم، والالتزام بدعم بدعم النداء الفلسطيني لمقاطعة ،وتعرية، وفرض عقوبات [BDS] ضد المتواطئين مع الاحتلال الاسرائيلي والتميز العنصري. 

معاً يمكننا متابعة نشز التضامن والعمل من أجل فلسطين حرة.

اتبع الرابط للتبرع والدعم بشكل أمن عبر الانترنت:

https://palsolidarity.org/donate 

في حال وجود أي استفسار أو إذا واجهتك مشكلة في الدفع أخبرنا عنها عبر : palreports@gmail.com 

                                                                                                                                                        

Dona aquí

Amigas, amigos y camaradas:

Queremos agradeceros a todas/os vuestra incondicional solidaridad y apoyo a la libertad del pueblo palestino, ya sea a través del activismo, la protesta, el boicot, las donaciones o la sensibilización en línea y presencialmente. Gracias a vosotras, el International Solidarity Movement (ISM) ha podido continuar utilizando métodos no violentos para resistir el apartheid israelí en Palestina desde hace ya casi dos décadas.

ISM es una organización de base y, al igual que todas las personas voluntarias que participan en el movimiento, se autofinancia sin ningún tipo de patrocinio.  Sin embargo, la pandemia ha obligado a muchos países a adoptar medidas excepcionales, como cuarentenas y restricciones de movilidad. Las personas voluntarias ya no pueden viajar a Palestina y la consiguiente desaceleración económica nos ha afectado seriamente a nivel financiero, hasta tal punto que podemos vernos obligadas a cerrar todas nuestras oficinas en Palestina. Esto limitaría severamente nuestra capacidad de abogar por los problemas del pueblo palestino, no sólo durante la pandemia sino también durante los meses venideros, impidiendo que reanudemos las operaciones una vez que termine la cuarentena.

Los ataques por parte de los colonos israelíes han aumentado un 78% durante la pandemia, y mientras que las fuerzas israelíes continúan con demoliciones, arrestos, encarcelamientos y tiroteos de civiles; consideramos que es más importante que nunca mantener una presencia activa en Palestina. Nuestro objetivo, con vuestra ayuda, es recaudar 7.000$ (USD) en fondos de emergencia para garantizar que ISM pueda continuar operando hasta que la cuarentena resultante del COVID-19 se levante gradualmente y se reanude la movilidad internacional. Los fondos se utilizarán para cubrir multas y tasas judiciales (tanto activistas de Palestina como internacionales a menudo se enfrentan a arrestos y juicios injustos por acciones de resistencia pacífica), los costes de alquiler de las oficinas de ISM y los apartamentos de voluntariado en Palestina, el mantenimiento de los proyectos actuales, la difusión mediática, el transporte y otros costes relacionados.

Durante los últimos 12 meses, hemos documentado e informado sobre la ocupación israelí y la limpieza étnica en toda Palestina, trabajando como observadoras/es y defensoras/es internacionales de derechos humanos. Nuestras acciones recientes incluyen:

  • Nuestro programa de presencia protectora continua para el acompañamiento de niños y niñas de Khalil (Hebrón) en su camino de ida y vuelta de la escuela, constantemente acosados por colonos y las fuerzas de ocupación israelíes.
  • Presencia protectora para familias agricultoras y residentes de aldeas en las colinas del sur de Khalil (Hebrón).
  • Presencia protectora para familias agricultoras en Cisjordania durante la cosecha de aceitunas.
  • Uso la acción directa no violenta para oponernos a la expansión ilegal de asentamientos, demoliciones de viviendas y detenciones por parte de las fuerzas de ocupación israelíes.
  • Documentación, generación de informes y difusión en los medios de comunicación sobre los abusos de los derechos humanos y la violencia contra la población palestina.
  • A nivel internacional, hemos seguido brindando formación a activistas independientes en materia de activismo de acción directa no violenta.
  • Colaboración con investigadores británicos en un informe forense sobre el disparo a un niño palestino por parte de las fuerzas de ocupación israelíes.

Con la propagación del COVID-19 y el consiguiente bloqueo en toda Palestina, nuestros proyectos y actuaciones más recientes incluyen:

Contamos con todas vosotras/os, amigas de todo el mundo, para mantener vivo el activismo de acción directa no violenta liderada por activistas palestinas, y poder disponer de los recursos necesarios para seguir actuando durante este difícil momento. Sabemos que muchas de nosotras nos enfrentamos a dificultades financieras debido a la actual crisis mundial. En la medida que os sea posible, os pedimos vuestro apoyo mientras afrontamos este desafío sin precedentes para nuestro movimiento. Por favor, si podéis, donad; ya que cualquier contribución es bienvenida. Compartid este comunicado y, lo que es más importante, continuad apoyando la causa palestina, creando conciencia y abogando en vuestros países de origen a adherirse y apoyar el movimiento de Boicot, Desinversión y Sanciones (BDS) contra la complicidad con la ocupación y el apartheid israelí.

¡Juntas podemos seguir difundiendo la solidaridad y seguir luchando por una Palestina libre!

Haced clic en el enlace para hacer una donación segura en línea: https://palsolidarity.org/donate

Si tenéis alguna pregunta o problema de pago, informadnos al respecto en palreports@gmail.com

                                                                                                                                                        

A nos amis et camarades

Nous aimerions vous remercier tous pour votre solidarité et votre soutien continus à la liberté du peuple palestinien, que ce soit par le militantisme, les manifestations, le boycott, les dons ou la sensibilisation en ligne et personnelle. Grâce à vous, le Mouvement de solidarité internationale (ISM) a pu continuer à résister à la colonisation et à l’apartheid israéliens en Palestine par des méthodes non violentes pendant près de deux décennies.

L’ISM est une organisation entièrement financée par la base, sans entreprise ni sponsor, et tous nos bénévoles s’autofinancent. Toutefois, la pandémie mondiale a obligé de nombreux pays à adopter des mesures exceptionnelles, telles que des quarantaines et des interruptions de voyage. Les volontaires ne peuvent plus se rendre en Palestine et le ralentissement économique qui en résulte nous affecte sérieusement financièrement, au point que nous risquons d’être contraints de fermer tous nos bureaux en Palestine. Cela limite gravement notre capacité à soutenir la cause palestinienne, non seulement pendant la pandémie mais aussi pendant les mois suivants, en nous empêchant de reprendre nos activités une fois le confinement terminé.

Avec des attaques de colons en hausse de 78% dans le contexte de la pandémie, et les forces israéliennes qui continuent les démolitions, les arrestations, les emprisonnements et les tirs sur les civils, nous pensons qu’il est plus important que jamais de maintenir une présence en Palestine. Notre objectif, avec votre aide, est de réunir 7.000 dollars US de fonds d’urgence pour que l’ISM puisse continuer à fonctionner jusqu’à ce que le verrouillage résultant de Covid-19 soit progressivement levé et que les voyages internationaux reprennent. Les fonds seront utilisés pour couvrir les frais, notamment les frais juridiques (les militants palestiniens et internationaux sont souvent confrontés à des arrestations et des procès injustes pour avoir milité pacifiquement), les frais de location des bureaux et des appartements des bénévoles de l’ISM dans toute la Palestine, le maintien des projets en cours et la défense des médias, les transports et autres frais annexes.

Au cours des 12 derniers mois, nous avons documenté et publié des articles sur l’occupation israélienne et le nettoyage ethnique en Palestine, en tant qu’observateurs et défenseurs internationaux des droits de l’homme. Nos actions récentes comprennent :

– Notre programme de présence protectrice continue avec les enfants à Hébron sur le chemin de l’école.

– Présence protectrice pour les agriculteurs et les villages dans les collines du sud d’Hébron.

– Présence protectrice pour les agriculteurs de Cisjordanie pendant la récolte des olives.

– Organisation d’actions directes pour s’opposer à l’expansion des colonies illégales, à la démolition des maisons et aux arrestations par les forces d’occupation.

– Documenter, rapporter et dénoncer dans les médias les violations des droits de l’homme et la violence contre des Palestiniens innocents.

– Sur le plan international, nous avons continué à former des militants indépendants à l’action directe non violente.

– Nous avons travaillé avec des chercheurs britanniques sur un rapport médico-légal concernant le tir des forces israéliennes sur un enfant palestinien.

Avec la propagation de COVID-19 et le verrouillage consécutif de la Palestine, nos projets les plus récents consistent en :

– Témoignages en ligne sur la situation actuelle,

– et une campagne, avec des organisations palestiniennes et d’autres organisations internationales, pour exiger une enquête sur le Fonds d’Hébron – un groupe extrémiste américain qui promeut la violence des colons et des militaires à Hébron.

Nous comptons sur vous tous, nos amis du monde entier, pour maintenir vivante l’approche d’action directe non violente de l’ISM, dirigée par des Palestiniens, et prête à reprendre ses activités pendant cette période difficile. Nous savons que beaucoup d’entre nous sont confrontés à des difficultés financières en raison de la crise mondiale actuelle. Dans la mesure de vos moyens, nous vous demandons votre soutien pour faire face à ce défi sans précédent pour notre mouvement. Merci de faire un don, si vous le pouvez, tout montant est utile. Merci de partager cet appel et surtout de continuer à soutenir la cause palestinienne en sensibilisant et en plaidant dans vos pays d’origine, et en écoutant et en soutenant l’appel palestinien au boycott, au désinvestissement et aux sanctions (BDS) contre ceux qui sont complices de l’occupation et de l’apartheid israéliens.

Ensemble, nous pouvons continuer à répandre la solidarité et à travailler pour une Palestine libre !

FAIRE UN DON EN LIGNE EN TOUTE SECURITE.

Si vous avez des questions ou des problèmes de paiement, n’hésitez pas à nous en faire part à l’adresse suivante : palreports@gmail.com ou contact@ism-france.org

                                                                                                                                                        

Dona qui

Ai nostri amici e compagni:

Vogliamo ringraziarvi tutti per la vostra costante solidarietà e sostegno alla libertà del popolo palestinese, sia attraverso l’attivismo, la protesta, il boicottaggio, le donazioni o la sensibilizzazione, online e di persona. Grazie a voi, l’International Solidarity Movement è stato in grado di continuare a utilizzare metodi non violenti per resistere all’apartheid israeliana in Palestina per quasi due decenni.

ISM è un’organizzazione interamente finanziata dal basso, senza sponsor aziendali o fissi e tutti i nostri volontari sono autofinanziati. Tuttavia, la pandemia globale ha costretto molti Paesi ad adottare misure straordinarie, come le quarantene e le interruzioni degli spostamenti. I volontari non possono più recarsi in Palestina e il conseguente rallentamento economico ci ha gravemente influenzato finanziariamente, al punto che potremmo essere costretti a chiudere tutti i nostri uffici in Palestina. Ciò limiterebbe gravemente la nostra capacità di sostenere la questione palestinese, non solo durante la pandemia, ma anche per mesi dopo, impedendoci di riprendere le operazioni una volta terminato il blocco.

Con gli attacchi dei coloni in crescita del 78%  nel bel mezzo della pandemia e le forze israeliane che continuano con demolizioni, arresti, incarcerazioni e sparatorie di civili, riteniamo che sia più importante che mai mantenere una presenza in Palestina. Il nostro obiettivo, con il vostro aiuto, è quello di raccogliere $ 7.000 (USD) in fondi di emergenza per garantire che l’ISM possa continuare a funzionare fino a quando il blocco risultante dal Covid-19 sarà gradualmente revocato e riprenderanno i viaggi internazionali. I fondi verranno utilizzati per coprire i costi, comprese le spese legali (gli attivisti palestinesi e internazionali spesso affrontano arresti e processi ingiusti per attivismo pacifico), i canoni di locazione per gli uffici dell’ISM e gli appartamenti che ospitano i volontari in tutta la Palestina, mantenendo i progetti attuali di difesa, il lavoro sui media, i trasporti e altri costi collaterali.

Negli ultimi 12 mesi, abbiamo documentato e riferito sull’occupazione israeliana e sulla pulizia etnica in tutta la Palestina, lavorando come osservatori e difensori internazionali dei diritti umani. Le nostre azioni recenti includono:

Con la diffusione di COVID-19 e il conseguente blocco in tutta la Palestina, i nostri progetti più recenti includono:

  • Advocacy online sulla situazione attuale
  • Una campagna, insieme a organizzazioni palestinesi e altre organizzazioni internazionali, che richiede un’indagine sull’”Hebron Fund” – un gruppo estremista statunitense che promuove l’odio e sponsorizza la violenza dei coloni e dei militari a Hebron.

Contiamo su tutti voi, i nostri amici di tutto il mondo, per mantenere vivo l’approccio di azione diretta non violenta guidato dall’ISM, e per restare pronti a riprendere dopo questo momento difficile . Sappiamo che molti di noi stanno affrontando difficoltà finanziarie a causa dell’attuale crisi globale. A qualunque titolo ne siate in grado, chiediamo il vostro sostegno mentre affrontiamo questa sfida senza precedenti al nostro movimento.

Se vi è possibile, vi chiediamo di donare. Qualsiasi importo aiuta.
Condividete  questo appello e, soprattutto, continuate a sostenere la causa palestinese sensibilizzando le persone nei vostri Paesi d’origine e ascoltando e sostenendo la richiesta palestinese di boicottaggio, disinvestimento e sanzioni (BDS) contro i complici dell’occupazione israeliana e dell’apartheid.

Insieme possiamo continuare a diffondere solidarietà e lavorare per una Palestina libera!

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Hier spenden

An unsere Freund*innen und Kamerad*innen:

Wir möchten Euch allen für Eure fortwährende Solidarität und Unterstützung für die Freiheit des palästinensischen Volkes danken, sei es durch Aktivismus, Protest, Boykott, Spenden oder Online- und persönliche Sensibilisierung. Durch Euch kann International Solidarity Movement seit fast zwei Jahrzehnten gewaltfreie Methoden anwenden, um der israelischen Apartheid in Palästina zu widerstehen.

ISM ist eine vollständig von der Basis finanzierte Organisation ohne Unterstützung von Unternehmen oder sponsoren, und alle unsere Freiwilligen sind selbst finanziert. Die globale Pandemie hat jedoch viele Länder gezwungen, außergewöhnliche Maßnahmen wie Quarantänen und Reisebeschränkungen zu ergreifen. Freiwillige können nicht mehr nach Palästina reisen, und die daraus resultierende wirtschaftliche Abkühlung hat uns finanziell ernsthaft getroffen, bis zu dem Punkt, an dem wir möglicherweise gezwungen sind, alle unsere Büros in Palästina zu schließen. Dies würde unsere Fähigkeit, sich nicht nur während der Pandemie, sondern auch für Monate danach für palästinensische Herausforderungen einzusetzen, stark einschränken und uns daran hindern, den Betrieb wieder aufzunehmen, sobald die Sperrung endet. 

Angesichts der um 78% gestiegenen Siedlerangriffe während der Pandemie und den fortgesetzten Zerstörungen, Verhaftungen, Inhaftierungen und Erschießungen von Zivilipersonen durch die israelischen Streitkräfte halten wir es für wichtiger denn je, in Palästina präsent zu sein. Unser Ziel ist es, mit Eurer Hilfe Notfallmittel in Höhe von 7.000 USD (USD) aufzubringen, um sicherzustellen, dass ISM weiter betrieben werden kann, bis die durch Covid-19 verursachte Sperrung schrittweise aufgehoben und die internationalen Reisen wieder aufgenommen werden. Die Mittel werden zur Deckung von Kosten verwendet, einschließlich Anwaltskosten (palästinensische und internationale Aktivisten werden häufig wegen friedlichen Aktivismus ungerechtfertigt verhaftet und vor Gericht gestellt), Mietgebühren für ISM-Büros und Freiwilligenwohnungen in ganz Palästina, Aufrechterhaltung aktueller Projekte und Medienvertretung, Transport und anderer beiläufigen Kosten.

In den letzten 12 Monaten haben wir als internationale Menschenrechtsbeobachter*innen und Verteidiger*innen die israelische Besatzung und ethnische Säuberung in ganz Palästina dokumentiert und darüber berichtet. Unsere jüngsten Maßnahmen umfassen:

  • Unser laufendes Schutzpräsenzprogramm mit Kindern in Hebron auf dem Weg zur und von der Schule.
  • Schutzpräsenz für Bauern und Dörfer in den South Hebron Hills.
  • Schutzpräsenz für Landwirte im gesamten Westjordanland während der Olivenernte.
  • Einsatz direkter Maßnahmen gegen illegale Siedlungserweiterung, Hauszerstörungen und Verhaftungen durch Besatzungsmächte.
  • Dokumentation, Berichterstattung und Medienvertretung zu Menschenrechtsverletzungen und Gewalt gegen unschuldige Palästinenser*innen.
  • International haben wir weiterhin unabhängige Aktivist innen in gewaltfreiem Direktaktivismus geschult.
  • Arbeit mit britischen Forschern an einem forensischen Bericht über die Erschießung eines palästinensischen Kindes durch israelische Streitkräfte.

Mit der Verbreitung von COVID-19 und der damit verbundenen Ausgangssperre in ganz Palästina umfassen unsere neuesten Projekte:

  • Online-Anwaltschaft über die aktuelle Situation,
  • Und eine Kampagne, die zusammen mit palästinensischen und anderen internationalen Organisationen eine Untersuchung des Hebron Fund fordert – einer extremistischen US-Hassgruppe, die Siedler- und militärische Gewalt in Hebron fördert.

Wir zählen darauf, dass Ihr alle, unsere Freunde auf der ganzen Welt, den von Palästinenser*innen geführten, gewaltfreien direkten Aktionsansatz von ISM für Aktivismus am Leben erhalten und bereit seid, in dieser schwierigen Zeit wieder aufzunehmen. Wir wissen, dass viele von uns aufgrund der aktuellen globalen Krise mit finanziellen Schwierigkeiten konfrontiert sind. In welcher Form   auch immer Ihr in der Lage seid, wir bitten Euch um Eure Unterstützung, wenn wir uns dieser außerordentlichen und neuen Herausforderung für unsere Bewegung stellen. Bitte spendet, wenn Ihr könnt, jeder Betrag hilft. Bitte teilt diesen Aufruf und unterstützt vor allem weiterhin die palästinensische Situation, indem Ihr das Bewusstsein und die Befürwortung in Ihren Heimatländern schärft und den palästinensischen Aufruf zum Boykott, zur Veräußerung und zu Sanktionen (BDS) gegen diejenigen, die an der israelischen Besatzung und Apartheid beteiligt sind, unterstützt.

Gemeinsam können wir weiterhin Solidarität verbreiten und für ein freies Palästina arbeiten!

Folgt dem Link, um sicher online zu spenden: https://palsolidarity.org/donate

Wenn Ihr Fragen oder Zahlungsprobleme habt, teilt uns dies unter palreports@gmail.com mit

                                                                                                                                                        

Dona aquí

Amics, amigues i camarades:

Volem agrair-vos a tots i totes la vostra incondicional solidaritat i suport en la llibertat del poble palestí, ja sigui a través de l’activisme, la protesta, el boicot, les donacions o la sensibilització en línia i de forma presencial. Gràcies a vosaltres, l’International Solidarity Movement (ISM) ha aconseguit continuar utilitzant mètodes no violents per resistir l’apartheid israelià a Palestina des de fa ja gairebé dues dècades.

ISM és una organització no governamental totalment finançada des de la base, sense patrocinadors corporatius o fixos, i totes les persones voluntàries que participen del projecte són autofinançades. No obstant això, la pandèmia ha obligat molts països a adoptar mesures excepcionals, com quarantenes i interrupcions de desplaçaments. Les persones voluntàries ja no poden viatjar a Palestina i la desacceleració econòmica ens ha afectat seriosament a nivell financer, fins a un punt en què ens podem veure obligades a tancar totes les nostres oficines a Palestina. Això limitaria severament la nostra capacitat d’advocar pels problemes del poble palestí, no només durant la pandèmia sinó també durant els propers mesos, ja que no es podrien reprendre les operacions una vegada que acabi la quarantena.

Amb l’augment del 78% dels atacs per part dels colons enmig de la pandèmia i davant del fet que les forces israelianes continuen amb demolicions, detencions, empresonaments i tirotejos a civils, creiem que és més important que mai mantenir una presència activa a Palestina. El nostre objectiu, amb la vostra ajuda, és recaptar 7.000$ (USD) en fons d’emergència per garantir que l’ISM pugui continuar operant fins que el bloqueig resultant del Covid-19 s’aixequi gradualment i es reprenguin els viatges internacionals. Els fons s’utilitzaran per cobrir costos que inclouen impostos o multes (els i les activistes palestines i internacionals sovint s’enfronten a detencions i judicis injustos per accions de resistència pacífica), els costos de lloguer de les oficines d’ISM i els apartaments de voluntariat a Palestina, el manteniment dels projectes actuals, la difusió en mitjans de comunicació, el transport i altres despeses relacionades.

Durant els últims 12 mesos, hem documentat i informat sobre l’ocupació israeliana i la neteja ètnica a tota Palestina, treballant com a observadors/es i defensors/es internacionals  dels drets humans. Les nostres accions recents inclouen:

  • El nostre programa continu de presència per protegir als infants de Khalil (Hebrón) en el camí d’anada i tornada a l’escola, constantment assetjats pels colons i les forces d’ocupació israelites.
  • Presència protectora per a famílies agricultores i residents de pobles als turons del sud de Khalil (Hebrón).
  • Presència protectora per a famílies agricultores a tota Cisjordania durant la collita d’olives.
  • Ús de l’acció directa no violenta per oposar-nos a l’expansió il·legal d’assentaments, demolicions de vivendes i detencions per part de les forces d’ocupació israelites.
  • Documentació, generació d’informes i difusió als mitjans de comunicació sobre els abusos dels drets humans i la violència contra la població palestina.
  • A nivell internacional, hem seguit realitzant formació a activistes independents en matèria d’activisme d’acció directa no violenta.
  • Treball amb investigadors britànics en un informe forense sobre el tret a un infant palestí per part de les forces d’ocupació israelites.

Amb la propagació del COVID-19 i el bloqueig a tota Palestina, els nostres projectes i actuacions més recents inclouen:

Comptem amb tots i totes vosaltres, amics/es de tot el món, per mantenir viu l’activisme d’acció directa no violenta liderada per persones palestines, i poder disposar dels recursos necessaris per seguir actuant durant aquest difícil moment. Sabem que molts i moltes de nosaltres afrontem dificultats financeres a causa de l’actual crisi mundial. En la mesura que us sigui possible, us demanem el vostre suport mentre fem front a aquest desafiament sense precedents per al nostre moviment. Si us plau, si podeu,  doneu. Qualsevol quantitat serà d’ajuda. Compartiu aquesta crida i, el que és més important, continueu donant suport a la causa palestina, creant consciència i advocant, en els vostres països d’origen i de residència, perquè s’adhereixin i donin suport al moviment de Boicot, Desinversió i Sancions (BDS) contra els còmplices de l’ocupació i el apartheid israelià.

Junts i juntes podrem seguir difonent la solidaritat i seguir lluitant per una Palestina lliure!

Fes clic a l’enllaç per fer una donació segura en línea: https://palsolidarity.org/donate

Si teniu alguna pregunta o problema amb el pagament, informeu-nos al respecte a palreports@gmail.com

About the legitimisation of the Palestinian oppression in Al Khalil (Hebron)

December 1st | International Solidarity Movement | Al Khalil, occupied Palestine

Last Saturday, November 23rd, was ‘Sarah’s day’, a festivity for the Jewish community that gathers Israeli settlers from all around the occupied Palestinian Territories and Jews travelling from abroad, in the Palestinian city of Al Khalil (also known as Hebron). This year in particular, there has been a special effort by the Hebron Fund to bring as many devotees as possible, who converged in the ‘H2’ zone of Al Khalil, including the old city area and all the surrounding illegal Israeli settlements.

 

A sign on Shuhada Street, Hebron,

 

In their daily life, Palestinians’ right of movement in this zone is severely restricted, and at times forbidden. The incoming celebrations worsened, if possible, the situation. In response to the huge influx of settlers and people coming from abroad, military involvement was significantly increased.

The outcome of these three different factors -massive presence of zionists, increased military presence and effective closing down of the area for the Palestinian residents – was a situation in which the incoming crowds were legitimated to do any type of action inside a de-facto ‘amusement-park’, with the complicity of the army, whose effective duty is to control and suppress local people and activists. The situation resembled the conditions under which the first settlement in Hebron was created. In 1968, a group of Israeli zionists reserved hotel rooms in the old city during a Jewish holiday. Their stay evolved into a permanent occupation, protected by Israeli soldiers and endorsed by the Israeli government.

 

Banner put by zionists during Sarah’s day.

What it was possible to witness from the participants in the Sarah’s day celebrations, seemed to be all the frustration and the rage cumulated during the year, crystallized, materialising into the basest actions, and enabled by an unlimited sense of power. These feelings were exemplified by banners such as “Palestine never existed… and never will” [source: Hebron Fund]. They transformed into overt hostility and aggression against the international activists observing the events. They emerged as physically violent attacks with pepper spray against unarmed Palestinian civilians, including children. This culminated with the stoning of a two-years old sleeping child.

 

A 2 years old kid stoned by the settlers in Tel Rumeida.
This gathering of zionists seems to flush out all the frustration due to the incompleteness of the apartheid process: the Palestinians in Al Khalil are guilty of not being fully subjugated by the racist policies of the state of Israel, and such a gathering is a good opportunity to remind them of the hierarchy that is supposed to be in place.

In view of all this, several questions are raised.
First of all, of course, why? Why such a rage and such a violent spirit? Does Israel not have enough? Illegally occupying a vast majority of Palestinian land seems not to be sufficient. The real occupation and the true oppression is carried out through the routine and persistent humiliation of Palestinians, and the feeling of impotence with which local people are left after every attack. However, it does not take much time for the Palestinians to resume their usual spirit of resistance. Their resilience is stronger than the fascist soul of a bunch of extremist settlers.

Secondly, what is the role of the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) present there? On
Friday afternoon, a group of almost 150 settlers attacked a barber shop on the way to the Kyriat Arba illegal settlement, assaulting the five people inside with pepper spray, wood and furniture. All around, a huge presence of IOF soldiers; did they stop this fascist aggression?

A couple of hours later, a 12 years old child was attacked by a group of settlers, spraying him with pepper spray and kicking him whilst on the ground. Nearby soldiers were stationed at an observation tower 50 meters away; did the soldiers intervene?

 

 

A 12 years old Palestinian kid gased and then kicked by the settlers.

 

In both cases the soldiers did not stop the violence. They observed, and they waited. They waited and watched while the illegal settlers vented their hatred against the Palestinians. At what expense?

A further, even more extreme example, took place on Saturday afternoon. The family of a Palestinian activist living in the Tel Rumeida neighbour (within the ‘H2’ zone) was gathered together in their home, when a group of settlers climbed on the roof and entered their garden. After shouting verbal abuse, the settlers began to throw stones at the house, the family came outside trying, in vain, to convince them to go away. One of the stones passed, not by chance, through a window and hit the two year old nephew of the activist, who was sleeping inside. The soldiers were on the rooftop, “containing” (i.e. observing) the settlers. A Palestinian ambulance could not reach Tel Rumeida: Palestinians are forbidden to drive inside ‘H2’. The only way for the family of the injured child to get him to safety and medical treatment, was to hold him and run, through the throngs of yelling settlers, towards the closest checkpoint. Then they could only hope for the medics to be able to pass the control and take the child. There are at least two past examples this not being possible. In one case, the victim died waiting at the checkpoint. On this occasion, mercifully the child could reach the ambulance, and the medical staff were able to take him to the waiting ambulance.

 

Palestinian medical staff trying to pass the check point 56 in order to enter Shuada street.
Hence it seems clear that the role of the IOF is not to prevent clashes. Not even to defend the Israelis. Their role is to indulge the settlers, whatever the price to pay for the others. In their amusement-park there is no place for disrupters, such as activists, adult and child Palestinians, who are systematically and brutally repressed.

IOF during Sarah’s day.
In the end, what should Palestinians do in order not just to be spectators of their own everlasting humiliation? The answer is more complicated than ever. As time passes by, the imbalance of power shifts further away from them, as the recent US declaration highlights. Active resistance is undermined by both the continued oppression of the Israeli police and the internal conflicts within the Palestinians factions. The presence of international activists helps in documenting the constant violations of basic rights, but is certainly not enough to change the inertia of the dynamics. While hope for change by pure political means weakens, space is created for more radical, and sometimes more appealing, answers based on the juxtaposition of Islamist ideas to the zionist arguments. The international powers, focused on the pure capitalistic interest of maintaining good relationships with Israel as an ally, are responsible for this radicalisation. They, and all those who turn a blind eye to the injustices happening here lose the right to judge the Palestinian means of resistance, in the face of an oppression in which they are accomplices.

 

When holidays bring hate: Sarah’s Day in Occupied Hebron

November 27 | International Solidarity Movement | Hebron, occupied Palestine

The Jewish holiday of Shabbat Chayei Sarah (Sarah’s day’) took place in Al Khalil (also known as Hebron) over the weekend of 22-23 November. Over the two days around 50,000 Israeli settlers flocked to the city, to celebrate the festival in the place that Zionists believe is their religious right (despite the fact that it is historically Palestinian and is clearly within the demarcation of Palestinian Territories).

For weeks the area was being adapted and prepared to accommodate the thousands of visitors. Israeli settlers from nearby illegal settlement Kiryat Arba were to be joined by other observant Jews from across Israel, as well as from countries abroad such as France, the UK, and the USA. The mood was set by blatant Zionist propaganda adorning the streets, such as a banner proclaiming “Palestine never existed – and never will”. Whole areas of the old city and surrounding areas were taken over by gazebos, tents and caravans for the weekend. Exclusive and expensive VIP tickets to celebrate ‘Sarah’s day’ were available for hundreds of US dollars, enabling attendees to meet and dine with religious leaders, alongside Knesset members, and IDF commanders.

Extremist and racist propaganda placed around Hebron (H2) ahead of Sarah’s Day, a major Jewish holiday.

By Friday afternoon, thousands of celebrants had arrived in the city and the already extensive Israeli Occupation Force (IOF) presence (normally 4000 IOF soldiers guard the 400 Israeli settlers) was even greater than usual. Enhanced security measures were in place and major roads were blocked off, obstructing Palestinian movement around the city, and forcing Arab shops to close for business in an already suffocated economic environment (due to businesses and areas being closed by military order, and commerce/tourism heavily suppressed by restrictions on movement through checkpoints).

Many of the visiting settlers were visibly armed, with handguns or automated weapons, in stark contrast to Palestinians for whom it is illegal to carry a weapon, tightly enforced at all of the numerous checkpoints.

Each day International Solidarity Movement (ISM) received reports of serious, violent attacks on Palestinians living in or passing through vulnerable areas where settlers filled the streets.

On Friday evening, on the ‘Prayer Road’,  leading up to the large settlement of Kiryat Arba, a group of 8 Palestinians were attacked in a barber shop. ISM spoke to one of the victims, Fayed, who reported a large group of settlers forcing entry to his father’s shop. Despite attempts to persuade the settlers to leave, more arrived to join the attack. Up to 100 settlers sprayed pepper spray, threw stones, chairs and pieces of wood, damaging property and injuring Fayed, his brother, his uncle and father.  Fayed’s 21 year old cousin suffered a broken hand, whilst he and his uncle and father sustained injuries to the head and arms, resulting in hospitalization. The police eventually moved the settlers on however no arrests were made. Only basic details of the attack were taken down and there has been no further investigation of the crime.

Later that night there were further reports of violent attacks by groups of settlers in the same area, including an assault on a young old child, who was kicked  and sprayed with pepper spray, requiring him to be taken to hospital. A Palestinian bride was also harassed and attacked by settlers as she celebrated her wedding day.

Despite the heaviness of occupation pressing down on them, the brutal and unprovoked attacks from the settlers, and frustration at the lack of protection from the authorities, Fayed and his family are quietly resistant. “Our life here is hard, but we have to resist. We try to be nice to everyone… to treat them nice, we don’t want any violence. Violence is not the solution….the settlers carry M16 guns. It’s normal for us and our situation here – to be attacked, arrested, killed. We grew up like this. What can we do? We don’t have a lot of power or support. We can’t fight with guns or knives, this is not the solution. How many Palestinians have been killed? Guns and knives are not free, they do not make Palestine free. We are not against Jews, we are against Zionists and settlers, and those that occupy our houses. ”

Israeli forces harass Palestinian photographers and journalists on Sarah’s Day in Hebron, November 22nd.

The following day, the entire old city plus large swathes of the normally unrestricted area (known as ‘H1’) was locked down, making way for thousands of settlers to be given religious tours of the city. Many were intoxicated, chanting provocative anti-Palestinian songs, shouting abuse, and urinating on Palestinian property. As the day progressed, their behavior became increasingly violent, with numerous incidents of settlers throwing rocks, bottles and other items at Palestinian people and homes, as well as unlawfully entering or climbing on Palestinian property. IOF remained passive, merely supervising the passage of the crowds through Palestinian areas.

In one shocking incident, a group of settlers attacked the home of a known Palestinian activist, Imad, who has been frequently targeted since speaking out against the murder of a Palestinian by the IOF several years ago.

Imad and his family are some of the few Palestinians brave enough to continue living in Tel Rumeida, part of an area in the heart of the old city which has been designated a restricted military zone (known as ‘H2’). Since 1968 Al Khalil has been subject to the establishment of illegal Jewish settlements, and over the last 20 years, the area has seen a huge influx of hardcore settlers who believe for religious reasons they have a right to occupy the land. These are some of the most extreme settlers in Israel, who routinely perpetrate abuse and violence against Palestinian residents, including children going to school.  Many Palestinians have been forced out of their homes and for those who remain, living in this area is extremely dangerous for Palestinians. There is a daily threat to life and limb.

On Saturday, as the streets of Tel Rumeida were inundated with thousands more armed settlers, the violence and intimidation escalated. There were multiple reports of attacks on Palestinian people and property. Footage was recorded of large groups of drunk settlers climbing on the roofs of Palestinian homes, and abusing and intimidating residents.

On Saturday Imad remained confined at home with his grandchildren, due to the large numbers of settlers who had been marching and congregating in the streets outside, making it unsafe for Palestinians to leave the house. Imad heard settlers climbing on his roof, and trying to enter his home through the entrance way. He called friends to come and help. and unsuccessfully tried to convince the settlers to leave. The large group were shouting abuse, spitting and throwing stones at bottles. Moments later Imad heard crying from where his 18 month old grandson was sleeping. As he ran into the room he discovered that a settler had thrown a stone through the open window, striking the child on the head and wounding him.

Due to the closed and restricted nature of this part of the city, an ambulance was unable to reach the house to attend to the child. The child had to be carried through the streets, protected by a circle of local people from the settlers who continued to try to attack the group as they tried to reach the ambulance.

Imad explains that the IOF soldiers arrived at the house during the attack, however they only stood watching, and failed to intervene to stop the violence. When local Palestinian’s arrived to provide support, the soldiers pushed and held them back, threatening to arrest them. The IOF also failed to provide any first aid or show concern for the injured child.

A sign on Shuhada Street, Hebron. The Israeli government has sealed off the houses of Palestinians living on Shuhada Street and prohibits them from walking on the street, which is reserved for Israelis.

Despite the heavy IOF and Israeli police presence throughout the city during this weekend, it was abundantly clear that they were there to protect the settlers, and not the Palestinian residents. There was a complete failure to protect the Palestinians under attack. Police also failed to undertake any investigation into the various incidents, or attempt to bring to justice those settlers engaging in violence against Palestinians.

This raises concerns that the IOF are turning a blind eye to the violence,  sanctioning and enabling it to occur, or alternatively that they simply have no power or authority to control the settlers’ violence. The risk for Palestinians trying to resist the occupation and violence, such as Imad, is to be punished, singly or collectively, for their defiance in the face of the creeping genocide of the Palestinian land and people.

Whilst trying to document and observe violence and abuse, ISM experienced hostility and aggression from both settlers and the IOF, incuding physical and verbal threats, restriction of movement as well as having our passports photographed by police and threatened arrest, in a clear attempt to deter us from our work. Pro-Palestinian activists in Israel risk deportation, including a 10 year ban from the country, serving to silence and prevent the documenting of human rights violations in Palestine.

Waiting at a checkpoint

November 3 | International Solidarity Movement | Hebron, occupied Palestine

Ash-Shuhada street in al-Khalil full of Israeli flags welcoming Netanyahu. Less welcome are the Palestinians living there: they are not even allowed to access their houses through their main entrances.

This is what normality in al-Khalil looks like

I was somewhere between excited and afraid the night before the visit of the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to al-Khalil (Hebron) on September 4 this year as part of his re-election campaign and timed with a ceremony commemorating the 1929 Hebron massacre, a central element of the justification narrative employed by the Israeli settlers in al-Khalil. I was afraid that the Israeli military and police would use excessive violence against the Palestinian residents during the occasion. The last few days had already been marked by extra army patrols through the streets, more frequent ID checks, night raids and arrests of political activists. However, there was also a feeling of excitement that the controversial visit could draw attention to the various human rights violations inflicted on Palestinians and the specific border(zone) management that made them possible. Serious restrictions of movement and different forms of violence have been part of Palestinian Khalilis’ everyday lives for decades. The latter include settlers attacking their houses and assaulting them in the streets; families getting woken up in the middle of the night by soldiers smashing down their front doors to search their homes and arrest fathers and sons (no matter their age); children getting teargassed on their way from school and sometimes even while sitting in their classrooms. I could go on. As shocking as this may all sound, for Palestinians living in the Israeli controlled part of al-Khalil, called H2, this is normality. And for everyone coming from outside it quickly becomes it too. This summer, I spent a month in the West Bank, occupied Palestinian territories, to volunteer with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM). And I had to realise that even the events surrounding Netanyahu’s visit just became another dat – part of al-Khalili normality.

Al-Khalil – the occupation in a nutshell

Al-Khalil is the Israeli occupation in a nutshell. The West Bank has been occupied by Israel since 1967 and gradually transformed into a disintegrated territory dotted by Israeli settlements which are deemed illegal under international law. The order chosen by the Israeli regime to handle the presence of two different populations – Israeli settlers and Palestinians – in the same territory is based on borders. Borders essentially regulate who is able to move freely where, when and under which circumstances. As the two groups inhabit the same space, bordering results in a system of segregation that traces through society instead of geographical fixed points. This manifests itself in a segregated road system throughout the West Bank and – less visible by eye but even more far-reaching – in two different legal systems leading to drastically unequal treatment for Israelis and Palestinians. While Israeli civil law is applied to the settlers, Palestinians are subjected to military law. In the old city centre of al-Khalil this order reaches its peak.

Al-Khalil is divided into two areas: H1 which comprises 80% of the city and is formally under control of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and H2 in which Israel retains responsibility for security matters. Al-Khalil’s old city is part of the latter and through the restrictions imposed on it over the last 20 years it has transformed from a bustling market area into a ghost town. These restrictions are part of the security measures taken by the Israeli military in order to ensure the protection of about 700 settlers living amidst approximately 7,000 Palestinians. For the latter, lives have transformed into one big restricted zone (see grey area on the map).

In the grey-coloured area of H2 Palestinian movement is restricted by checkpoints and various road blocks. To some roads (indicated in red) Palestinians are completely denied access.

OCHA counts 121 obstacles (walls, slabs, fences and barriers) limiting free movement in this area including 20 checkpoints, 6 of which are fortified, equipped with face-recognition technology and metal detectors. For the Palestinian residents this means that going about any simple daily activity can become a lengthy and uncertain process. The Israeli security policies in al-Khalil do not only restrict their access to health, education, housing and work but also deeply affect their family lives and social fabric. As a result of the difficult living conditions in H2 the number of Palestinian residents has considerably dropped over the years. The existence of a restricted area is based on the Hebron protocol from 1997 that lead to the division of the city and called for a buffer zone between H1 and H2. However, the function of this buffer zone doesn’t correspond to its initial idea. Rather than preventing violence between Palestinians and Israeli settlers it has become a tool for the Israeli military to exercise violence against the local Palestinian population and effect their forcible transfer. Israel thus uses the buffer zone to solidify its colonial practices under the guise of security concerns. 

Another example of who draws the borders around Khalil

Back to Netanyahu’s visit: After mid-day, H2 was under near complete lockdown. There was a massive police and army presence in the streets, several of them stationed on the roofs of Palestinian houses. 3 of the major checkpoints accessing the restricted area of H2 were closed for the whole afternoon. Whoever happened to be out at the wrong time, would spend their afternoon waiting in front of a closed gate.

And life stands still – Palestinians waiting in front of a checkpoint that stayed closed for more than 6 hours the day Netanyahu visited al-Khalil.

In the neighbourhood where the memorial ceremony took place, the Palestinian residents were put under curfew. A small demonstration took place close to the restricted area but within H1, which is formally under Palestinian control. The Israeli military didn’t hesitate to enter the area though as well as use cars and their Palestinian occupants as shields for their operations. Two demonstrators were arrested. In the evening, I thought to myself: “It could have been a lot worse.” It took me some time to realise how normalised the situation in al-Khalil had become for me in order to come to such a conclusion. Night raids, closed check-points, curfews and arrests. All of this has been happening for decades and so the 4th of September 2019 was nothing new. It was just another example showing who draws and manages the borders around the lives of Khalilis. Whom those borders protect, and whom they hurt.