Since the outbreak of the war, Palestinian residents in the H2 area of Hebron are prohibited from leaving their homes. They have been under arrest for over five weeks, and the exit from their homes is allowed only on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays for one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening – a total of six hours per week. Palestinian activities in the city are completely suspended. There is no trade or education, residents cannot go to work, receive medical treatment, or visit family members. Even obtaining food, medicine, or water has become an almost impossible task.
Hundreds of Palestinian families residing in the H2 area are also subject to severe movement restrictions on regular days, with entire streets in the city closed to them. However, in the past five weeks, life in this area has become unbearable. While Palestinians are not allowed to leave at all, Jewish residents in Hebron are not subject to restrictions. Individuals from the Jewish settlement take advantage of the forced absence of Palestinians from public spaces to seize control, damage property, break into and harm homes and shops.
On November 13, 2023, we sent legal correspondence to the Central Command requesting the removal of the curfew imposed on the Palestinian residents in Hebron. In the letter, attorney Roni Pelli wrote: 'Even in difficult wartime days like these, it is impossible to justify imprisoning residents in their homes for long weeks, especially when the city is far from the combat zone. The prolonged isolation from the world and the massive damage to livelihood and education cannot be justified. The disregard for violence and the complete abandonment of all military obligations according to international law cannot be justified."
In response to repeated requests, the military denied that movement restrictions had been imposed on Hebron residents. But on the ground, as of mid-April 2024, a curfew continues to be enforced at night and on weekends. In addition, the forces prohibit the opening of shops and workshops, and the residents' livelihoods are severely affected. The soldiers also do not allow anyone they believe does not live inH2 to enter the area through the checkpoints. This policy prevents residents from returning to their homes, and does not allow visits by relatives, friends and service providers.