In the closed areas of al Khalil/ Hebron, the Israeli Occupation makes daily life an ongoing struggle for Palestinian residents. These areas, particularly near the Ibrahimi Mosque and adjacent settlements, face systematic measures restricting movement and access; barbed wire fences and blocking roads to entrances of homes create a hostile environment for Palestinians who live and work there. Over the years, this intensifying situation has caused significant hardship, isolating communities and disrupting livelihoods.
The imposition of restrictions on movement is not new. It began over two decades ago when, by military order, the occupation forces closed down more than four hundred shops on Shuhada Street in al Khalil/ Hebron. Once a bustling commercial hub, Shuhada Street has become a ghost town, as Palestinian pedestrians were gradually prohibited from using it. This closure had far-reaching consequences for shop owners who lost their livelihoods and the broader community whose access to essential services and social connections was cut off.
Today, the residents of al Khalil/Hebron’s closed areas are forced to navigate a labyrinth of barriers to reach their homes, schools, and workplaces. Teachers and students alike must find alternative routes to bypass checkpoints, which soldiers can arbitrarily decide to close. This unpredictability leaves many stranded for hours, unable to cross or return home.
One recent incident highlights the daily reality for residents: two children went to buy bread near a checkpoint leading to the Ibrahimi Mosque. A soldier closed the checkpoint without explanation as they attempted to return home. The children were left waiting indefinitely, hoping for the soldier’s mercy to reopen the gate. With no resolution, they eventually sought shelter with relatives until the checkpoint reopened.
For many families, the closed checkpoints and barbed wire fences mean taking extreme measures to reach their homes. Residents of al Khalil/Hebron’s old city have resorted to using the rooftops of adjacent houses to bypass the barriers. These closely built and interconnected homes provide an alternative pathway when streets are blocked. However, this workaround is both unsafe and unsustainable.
The humanitarian impact of these restrictions is severe. Barbed wire fences block direct home access, forcing residents to take longer, more costly routes. This situation becomes even more dire in emergencies. One family shared the story of their sick daughter, who needs frequent medical treatment at a hospital. Their home, located on a street primarily used by settlers, has been blocked by barbed wire, leaving them unable to take the shortest route to the hospital. The father, Idris, described the immense stress of finding alternative ways to transport his daughter, fearing the consequences of cutting the wire or being fined and imprisoned.
These restrictions also impact basic needs like water, food, and home renovation supplies. Barbed wire fences and military closures often block the delivery of essential goods. In some cases, residents report being denied access to water supplies altogether, exacerbating their suffering and forcing them to rely on costly alternatives.
The Occupation also impacts schools near the closed areas. Ziad Jaber Elementary School, located near the worshippers’ road (prayer road) and the Kiryat Arba settlement, is surrounded by barbed wire fences. Students are prohibited from passing near the barriers, and soldiers frequently detain those who attempt to do so. Parents live in constant anxiety for their children, fearing for their safety as they navigate this hostile environment to attend school.
The psychological toll on students is immense. They are forced to learn in an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, knowing that their journey to and from school could be disrupted at any moment. Many arrive late or cannot attend due to unexpected checkpoint closures.
Beyond the immediate impact on individuals and families, the restrictions have also frayed the community’s social fabric. Barbed wire fences cutting across neighbourhoods limit interactions between residents, reducing opportunities for social gatherings and mutual support. This isolation weakens social cohesion, making it harder for the community to collectively resist these restrictive measures or support one another in times of need.
The policy of placing barbed wire at home entrances and closing off streets is part of a broader strategy of “soft displacement.” By making life unbearable for residents, the Occupation seeks to push Palestinians out of these areas, clearing the way for settlers to expand their presence. This approach disregards the humanitarian needs and legal rights of Palestinian landowners, leaving them in a state of perpetual uncertainty and fear.
For the residents of al Khalil/Hebron’s closed areas, life is marked by constant anxiety. Parents worry about their children’s safety as they go to school, workers face daily challenges in reaching their jobs, and families struggle to access medical care and basic necessities. The presence of barbed wire at every turn is a stark reminder of the Occupation’s power to control and disrupt their lives.
The situation in al Khalil/Hebron’s closed areas is a microcosm of the broader struggles faced by Palestinians living under Occupation. It is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of policies designed to isolate and displace communities. The residents will continue to endure the daily challenges of living in a closed-off world, navigating barbed wire fences and military checkpoints in their quest for a semblance of normalcy.
