The Battle for Hill 26
Photo: IDF arresting peace activists
From the Open Shuhada Street website, 11 May 2009
This past Friday, Palestinian and Israeli activists from various groups executed a direct action protest against a new settler outpost on a hill near Hebron called Hill 26. In response to the new outpost, which is illegal by Israeli law yet the military refuses to evacuate, activists built a Palestinian outpost on the same plot of land. The result: 8 peace activists apprehended by the Israeli police while the settlers continue to sit illegaly in their outpost. Sadly, we see yet again the complete disregard of the Israeli military and police to their own laws. Moreover, we see yet again the manifestation of a settlement expansion policy, in direct contradictions to the international community. On a positive note, this complicated and dangerous non-violent action was attended by around 60 Israeli and Palestinian activists- proving that living together and fighting for a future of equality and dignity in the region is a possibility. More on the action (including videos) by Ta’ayush activist Jseph Dahan below (posted on http://ibnezra.wordpress.com )
“Ta’ayush is on the frontline of the settlement expansion war. We have been observing illegal outposts and settlement growth and, more importantly, have been documenting how the State of Israel is helping and encouraging this process. The official Israeli position regarding settlements is borderline make believe. Yesterday, at a small hilltop outside of the uber-settlement Kiryat Arba, Ta’ayush experienced and obtained proof of this phenomenon. To begin recounting the day, I am placing a video of Amiel explaining the objectives of Ta’ayush yesterday at hilltop 26…