CPTnet
15 July 2011
AL-KHALIL (HEBRON): Israeli forces halt Hebron bicycle action.
by Jessie Smith
On Tuesday 28 June 2011, sixty bicyclists gathered to ride
from Hebron to Al Bweireh to demonstrate that Palestinians must have freedom of
movement on roads leading to their neighbors. The Palestinians
participating in the demonstration live primarily in the Hebron area, and
twenty internationals accompanied them. Many people, cheering the
bicyclists, lined the streets along the way.
Before the cyclists arrived at the first checkpoint, at least fifteen Israeli soldiers refused to allow any
of the group to proceed further. Two police 
officers accompanied the
military. Razor wire had also been installed to prevent anyone from
entering the blockaded zone. Soldiers told the riders the area was a
closed military zone, but they could not prove that the paper they showed from
a distance was current for this action.
After a standoff and much conversation, the bicyclists
turned around. Although the
demonstration did not breach any physical barriers needed to reestablish
Palestinians’ right for access and freedom of movement, the ride rallied
activists for peace and exhibited innovative resistance.
For more photos of the action, click here.
