Israeli forces block Palestinian security services from patrolling parts of Hebron

28 July 2007

Hebron – Ma'an – Israeli authorities ordered Palestinian security services to suspend routine patrols in parts of the West Bank city of Hebron Saturday as Israeli forces move into the area.

A Palestinian security official told Ma'an that his patrol was told "not to move into As Salam street, Ein Sara or the area around the University of Hebron until 1 pm as the Israelis are launching security activity in these areas."

These areas are inside the part of Hebron known as "H1," where the Palestinian Authority is responsible for security. The Israeli-controlled section, called "H2," contains Israeli settlements, religious sites, Palestinian residential neighborhoods, and parts of the Old City.

The official added that this was "not the first time" that the Israelis have interfered with the normal operation of Palestinian security services and, "It will not be the last." He accuses the Israelis of "Obstructing security plans the Palestinians intend to carry out in the city," adding, "This is coming in the same time that Fayyad government is attempting to impose security and order in the city, which suffers from lack of security."