Israeli soldiers assist illegal settlers on rampage through Hebron

Soldiers lead illegal Israeli settlers through market

Source: CPT

The Palestinian City of Hebron in the West Bank, just 30 kilometres (19 mi) south of Jerusalem, has been the scene of many incursions by illegal Israeli settlers in recent months. Lately these settlers have been accompanied by the Israeli army who support them as they attack Palestinian property and molest and terrorise unarmed Palestinian children, women and men.

International Community Peacemaker Teams are the region, observing and documenting human rights abuses. They have sent the following reports:

On September 7, 2024, 17 settlers invaded the Old City of Hebron under the protection of more than 30 soldiers from the Israeli occupation forces and the Israeli police. The incursion began at the the gate to Beit Romano Settlement, the entrance to the Old City for Palestinian residents, which is now an illegal settlement under Israeli control. During the raid, access to the Old City was blocked by soldiers, and Palestinians could not move through the old city.

The Israeli occupation forces used a drone that flew over the heads of residents, children and journalists to monitor the area. The settlers entered the Old City and moved towards the CPT offices, tucked in a corner of the old city. After that they stopped at a spot opposite the Badran Café, a favourite coffee spot for locals, because there is a door with a star above it. Historically, Palestinian Jews once lived in this area. The Palestinian Jews used to meet together with Christians and Muslims in the square and spend time together and drink coffee together. Today, however, the Zionist settlers claim that this place has always belonged to them.

During the Settler incursion, Palestinian residents, including children, were blocked by Israeli soldiers from taking their usual routes. The settlers ended their incursion with applause and returned through the gate at Bab Al-Baladiya, where the tour began.

The settler incursion takes place every Saturday. The times are always different and they are led by local settlers. Settlers from all over Israel come to these events. Most Palestinian store owners close their stores as they see the incursion beginning because they are afraid of being attacked or their products destroyed.

14 September 2024: Palestinians in the restricted H2 area of Al-Khalil/Hebron face daily oppression at any of the 18 Israeli military checkpoints. Among these challenges, women endure harassment, including sexual harassment, which often goes unreported due to fears of repercussions at the hands of the military as well as societal pressure and fear of judgment from the conservative Palestinian community.

The Israeli occupation exploits this silence, making it even harder for women to speak out. Many women have reported that most incidents of harassment come from female soldiers, who sometimes force them to remove their clothing before allowing them to pass through the checkpoints. This abuse occurs as women attempt to enter or exit the restricted area for school, work, or visiting family. Sadly, many women feel they have no choice but to remain silent about these violations.

NOTE:

The World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel is from 16th-22nd September 2024

On Wednesday 18 September at 7pm, there will be a Zoom meeting with Fr Gabriel, Parish Priest of Holy Family Parish, Gaza and Usama Nicola from Wi'am Conflict Transformation Centre in Bethlehem.
Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZArdumsqDItHtPqf4sUvfMcSvBOfi8lbGFD#/registration

FURTHER LINKS

Community Peacemaker Teams: https://cpt.org/

CPT Facebook: www.facebook.com/cptpalestine