Access Denied

Some examples of the different types of barriers used to limit access and and control movement of Palestinians in the Israeli controlled area, including the old city. As of January 2006 there are 187 road closures in Hebron, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. A very simple map of Hebron and the division of Palestinian/Israeli control follows the photos. I'll be bringing maps with much more detail home with me for those who like maps!

This checkpoint is one of several surrounding the Ibrahimi Mosque - the burial site of Abraham, among others

Concrete road blocks

Concrete filled oil barrels also block what were once through streets and alleys

Earthen mounds and broken concrete piled up as barriers

Partial checkpoints (the tower is just behind me as I take the picture) that are used periodically by the military

This is a heavily traffic gate and is the main exit from the Old City into the rest of Israel controlled Hebron. Dozens of Palestinian school children pass through here daily during the school year. Soldiers are posted on either side after passing through. The Ibrahimi Mosque is through the gate and to the left, so this is also the gate all residents of the Old City must use to go to the Mosque.

This checkpoint requires you to enter the hut and go through a metal detector. Physical searches are conducted in the right side of the hut and are supposed to be conducted by someone of the same gender.