A Never-Ending Curfew
About 100 days ago, something terrible happened in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli aggression started, and it brought even more restrictions for the people living in the Old City of Hebron, in the southern West Bank. The worst part? They have been under a complete curfew ever since.
A Long History of Restrictions
This isn't the first time the Israeli occupation has made life difficult for Palestinians. Since the Al-Aqsa Intifada in 2000, they have imposed strict measures that limit the freedom of Palestinians in Hebron and other areas.
A Window as a Door
Imagine having to use a window instead of a door to enter and exit your own home. That's the reality for the Al-Muhtaseb family. For the past two decades, they have been forced to use a ladder to climb in and out of their house because the occupation closed their front door with a checkpoint. They even had to get used to this new way of doing things, using the window for everything from bringing in their belongings to receiving guests and taking care of their sick family members.
An Exceptional Situation
The situation in the Old City of Hebron is far from normal. Imad Hamdan, the head of the Hebron Reconstruction Committee, explains that having a settlement enclave right in the heart of the city has created a catastrophic situation. Since the Gaza War started, approximately 750 families have been living under curfew in three-quarters of the Old City of Hebron.
A City under Siege
With about 18 checkpoints and military points surrounding the Old City, it feels like a disaster area. There are a total of 101 obstacles in just one square kilometer. The people living here can't even stand on their balconies to look outside. It's like being trapped.
Collective Punishment
The Old City of Hebron is constantly subjected to collective punishment. Whenever there is an escalation of tensions in Nablus, Jenin, or even Gaza, a curfew is imposed on the Old City. It's happening right now as the aggression against Gaza continues. Imad Hamdan pleads with the international community to see the suffering of the people in Hebron and help them once the war in Gaza is over.
A Historic Town
The Old City of Hebron is filled with buildings that have been around for centuries. Most of them were built during the Mamluk and Ottoman eras. In 2017, UNESCO declared it a "protected area" of exceptional universal value.
A Divided City
In 1997, the Hebron Agreement divided the city into two parts. District 1, which makes up about 80% of the city, was handed over to the Palestinian Authority. District 2, where the Ibrahimi Mosque and Israeli settlements are located, remained under Israeli control.
Source: Al Jazeera
