Source: By Jihad al-Qawasmi (Al-Quds Tr. by Hear Palestine News Service)

Oct 29, 2002

Al-Sheikh and Abu Sneineh Quarters
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These two residential quarters were the first victims of the Israeli invasion of the city and have now become furthest from a prospect of an Israeli withdrawal.

The suggested solutions by the Israeli side do not include anything about a withdrawal from Abu Sneineh, Al-Sheikh, al-Manara roundabout and Bab al-Zawiya that used to be under Palestinian control before the latest invasion.

The Israeli occupation army which claimed a partial withdrawal from the city established 4 new military points in homes that were confiscated and their inhabitants forced out, adding to the already
existing suffering of the residents and the oppressive measures practiced against them continuously. The whole of the city of Hebron is now under the target of Israeli snipers.

Over 40,000 people live in the mentioned residential quarters in addition to 40,000 who live in area H2, which never came under Palestinian control.

According to the city's architect Toufic Arafa, the Old City with Abu Sneineh and Al-Sheikh quarters make up over 50% of the area of Hebron.

Geographically, Abu Sneineh residential quarter occupies two hills to the south of the center of Hebron, in a way that overlooks the Old
City and the Ibrahimi Mosque. As for Al-Sheik quarter, it occupies two hilltops facing Abu Sneineh and the Old City. By these two quarters overlooking the Old City, they also overlook the 4 settlement units established on property that belongs to the residents of the Old City.

Therefore, the occupation army continues to control these areas under claims of protecting less than 400 settlers from Palestinian fire, despite the horrors lived by the residents from continuous Israeli
military and settler attacks.

Settlers in Hebron

The settlers in the city of Hebron are a source of continuous worry for the residents who are prevented from reaching their shops daily subjected to theft and destruction.

The settlers constantly attack the residents and their property, while Israeli soldiers impose long-term curfews for the settlers.

Over 1000 students from 4 schools situated near the settlement units are prevented from regular education and are constantly subjected to attacks and humiliation.